norwegian cruise yacht club

MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven: A Luxury Cruise Comparison

Although MSC first introduced the ship-within-a-ship concept back in 2008, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven also offers top-notch services.

So, what will be your pick between MSC Yacht Club vs NCL Haven?

While MSC Yacht Club offers 6 categories of cabin/stateroom, NCL Haven offers 9 types of suites. Also, NCL Haven’s suits are much larger including 2/3-bedroom villas. Both offer 24-hour concierge and butler services. Moreover, NCL Haven offers more exclusive dining and entertainment options than MSC Yacht. But NCL Haven is more expensive than MSC Yacht Club.

So, what will you choose between these two fine ship-within-ship experiences? Follow the article as we’ll help you judge both.   

MSC Yacht Club Vs NCL Haven: The In-Depth Comparison

Both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven are top of their name. So before diving deep into their services, let’s have a brief look at their competitive offerings. 

So, now we’ll discuss the details of each factor of MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven. You can compare and judge both to pick one for your holiday retreat in these luxurious voyages. 

Stateroom / Cabin Size – MSC Yacht Club Vs NCL Haven

NCL Haven offers 9 types of different suites and cabins while MSC Yacht offers only 6 categories of cabins. 

Compared to NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club offers smaller cabins. Let’s see what are the categories of cabins offered by MSC Yacht Club .

• The Owner’s Suite: It’s the largest suite offered by MSC Yacht Club. It has 1055 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 269 sqft of balcony with hot tub, etc.
• The Royal Suite: 667 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 355 sqft of balcony with hot tub, etc.
• The Duplex Suite: It has two levels with 635 sqft of space, separate dining and living room, 248 sqft of balcony, etc.
• The Deluxe Grand Suite: 269-463 sqft of space, separate living room, 86-129 sqft of balcony, etc.
• The Deluxe Suite: 269-366 sqft of space, and 86 sqft of balcony.
• The Interior Suite: 226 sqft of total space. 

NCL Haven’s suits are humongous compared to MSC Yacht Club. Let’s see what NCL Haven’s suits look like. 

• 3-Bedroom Garden Villa: The largest one in NCL Haven perfect for 8 people. It has 6694 sqft of space, a private dining room, a large living room, and 3.5 baths. Has a hot tub on the balcony.
• 2-Bedroom Family Villa: 504 sqft of space with a master bedroom, a bath, and a private balcony. This is perfect for 6 people.  
• The Deluxe Owner’s Suit: It has 1307 sqft of space with a large dining and living area, a large luxury bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A large balcony is also included for 6 people to enjoy.  
• The Owner’s Suit: It has 824 sqft of space with a large living and dining area, one balcony, or two in some ships. This is ideal for 4 people.  
• Aft-Facing Penthouse: This suite has 655 sqft of space with a king-sized bed, a generous living area, and a balcony for all. 4 people can easily enjoy the facilities of this penthouse. 
• The Deluxe Spa Suite: This is the smallest suite in NCL Haven. It has 309 sqft of space with a king-sized bed. Also, there’s a balcony with a hot tub and oversized waterfall showers with jets. It is close to the Mandara Spa Suite and also offers free access to the Thermal Spa Suite.  
• Forward-Facing Penthouse: This is another modest penthouse in NCL Haven. It has 451 sqft of space with a king-sized bed with a forward view. Also, there’s a large dining and living area and a balcony.
• Courtyard Penthouse: The courtyard penthouse of NCL Haven is perfect for a romantic retreat. It has 440 sqft of space with a romantic atmosphere, a private balcony, guest allowance, and living and dining areas.  
• Spa Suite: This suite also has access to Mandara and Thermal Spa Suite. It has 378 sqft of space with a relaxing decoration, a balcony with a hot tub, and oversized waterfall showers with jets.

So, NCL wins regarding stateroom and suite sizes for more room space and additional accommodations. So complete your NCL e-docs and get aboard its luxurious services. 

Concierge Service

Both NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club offer a 24-hour concierge and butler service. With the experienced and capable service of a butler, your every need and assistance will be met on both cruises. 

Moreover, for any additional bookings or purchases, the concierge can help you anytime you need. With the world-class services of the concierge of both NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club, it’ll be worth it.  

Dining & Entertainment – MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven

MSC Yacht Club offers a private dining area for its guests as part of the ship-within-a-ship experience. Their dedicated restaurant will provide sophisticated à la carte menus for you to taste. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven offers priority reservations for all its customers in all dining and entertainment facilities. Compared to MSC Yacht, NCL Haven offers specialty menus brought directly to your suite from any of the restaurants fleetwide. And so, NCL Haven is superior to NCL Suits . 

For entertainment, MSC Yacht Club offers a theater and a casino, a Parisian-Inspired Cabaret, MSC Aurea Spa, and more. Also, you’ll have a dedicated water park and a robotic thrill ride called Robotron. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven offers an exclusive cocktail party with the ship’s officers, Broadway shows, musicals, etc. NCL also offers exotic entertainment options with its variety of comedy and night events. The night is never dull onboard NCL Haven. 

MSC Yacht Club offers a separate pool, restaurant, and lounges for its guests. On the other hand, NCL Haven also offers a dedicated section of the ship for its cruisers. 

NCL Haven’s self-contained area is specifically designed for a one-of-a-kind experience for its passengers. This dedicated space includes special and separated entries, venues, dining, and entertainment facilities. 

Also, both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven offer priority embarkment and disembarkment for their passengers.  

Price Range

In terms of price, NCL Haven is a bit more expensive than MSC Yacht Club . For example, the interior cabins on MSC Yacht Club cost $2800 for 2 people with a balcony that costs $4100. 

On the other hand, NCL Haven costs $3000 per person on an average weeklong trip in its suits. But this price may vary based on availability, time of the year, last-minute sailings, etc. And the larger the suits, the more it will cost you. 

MSC Yacht Club VS NCL Haven: What Is Best for You?

So, now you have an idea of both MSC Yacht Club and NCL Haven’s services. It’s time for you to decide which one is best for you. At a glance, NCL Haven offers more freestyle cruising with exciting and exotic entertainment options. 

Conversely, MSC Yacht Club’s Parisian-inspired Cabaret and Aurea Spa are wonderful entertainment options that can compare with the Haven. Also, NCL Haven is a bit more expensive with similar services to MSC Yacht. 

But the exclusive and specialty menu service in your suite can only happen in NCL Haven. So, choose which you like. 

For more luxury cruise options, you can compare Norwegian Cruise Line with Holland America . Holland America also provides many premium and luxury cruise services.  

Can Haven Guests Have Visitors?

Yes, Haven guests can have visitors. But the visitors must be pre-registered with the Haven concierge at the reception. Also, the guests need to provide details of the visitor’s arrival time and departure. 

Are Children Allowed in NCL Haven?

Yes, children are allowed in NCL Haven. Many of its areas are children-friendly while some areas are only for adults. The Haven Sundeck is only for guests above 16 years of age while the courtyard pool is for all. 

Is Room Service Free in The NCL Haven?

The guests enlisted in the NCL Haven suits don’t have to pay for room services. But there’s a 20% gratuity and additional charges for non-complementary beverages through room service. 

So, now choose a pick for your next sailing between MSC Yacht Club vs NCL Haven. 

There’s always something missing in one while the other has it. Choose a cruise line service that you see fit with your preference and trip goal. But if you’re a solo cruiser and love activities, go for the NCL Haven. You’ll have a much good time. 

I'm a travel writer and content creator who loves to explore new places. I've been to over 20 countries, and I'm always on the lookout for my next great adventure. I love the excitement of airports, the thrill of new experiences, and the feeling of being surrounded by new cultures. I share my travel stories and tips on my website, where I hope to inspire others to explore the world.

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NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club

Which is better, norwegian’s haven or msc’s yacht club.

Since our trip on the MSC Seaside, this has been the most asked question and I can understand why. They both look similar but which cruise line does it better? In my opinion, after sailing on the MSC Seaside, MSC does the “hotel in a hotel” experience the best and the Seaside has quickly become my favorite ship of 2018. Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE the Haven (we have sailed with NCL 16 times) and there are some areas where the Haven shines but keep reading if you want to see why I think the Yacht Club does suite level the best…

Embarkation from Port Miami – (Yacht Club Wins):

Yacht Club:  Embarkation in the Yacht Club was a breeze and is truly a first class experience. First, there is a special loop to drop off your luggage. We simply pulled into the special loop and there was a dedicated Yacht Club porter there waiting to take our bags. After parking the car in the garage, we came back to the same area where we dropped off our bags and a butler escorted us into the terminal. We were escorted through a private security line to the concierge waiting area (the waiting area was huge! Lots of chairs and space for everyone) .  While we were waiting to take our picture for our cruise card, we were handed champagne by our butler and asked if we would like any snacks from the snack table. Talk about a great way to start your vacation. After about 5 minutes, we had our cruise cards and our butler was leading us onto the ship. From there we had a direct butler escort all the way to the Yacht Club lounge (Top Sail Lounge) and again we were handed a glass of champagne as soon as we sat down. First class all the way.

The Haven:  Embarkation on NCL is the same for everyone, until you get past the security line. You drop your bags off with the porters and then proceed to the security line, like everyone else. We have waited in Norwegian security lines for up to 30 minutes. I am not complaining about the wait because it never bothered us but I did want to mention it because it is very different from MSC. After proceeding through the security line, you are directed to a small room dedicated just for Haven guests. It’s a small lounge where they have cookies, water, coffee and juice ( this area is very small. We have been forced to wait outside the lounge many times because there was no seating or space to stand inside the lounge ). After you receive your cruise card, you are then escorted to the ship by an NCL employee with a sign. They take you up to the ship security point and hand off the escort to a ship employee. The ship employee then escorts you to the Haven Courtyard where you gather for a group orientation about Haven perks from the concierge.

Overall Embarkation: Both companies have a completely different view on boarding the ship. MSC seems to take the stance that your vacation starts at bag drop off and NCL seems to believe your vacation begins once you arrive in the Haven Courtyard. Both are acceptable and great perks at the suite level but MSC seems to have embarkation perfected.

Staterooms/Cabin Size – (Haven Wins):

Before I start comparing, I want to point out that we stayed in a Yacht Club Inside Cabin on the MSC Seaside. This is the smallest cabin in the Yacht Club and something that the Haven does not have. We did make friends with a couple who let us tour their Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. I would compare the Deluxe Suite to a Courtyard Penthouse on a Breakaway Class ship so I am going to compare those cabins to each other and not our interior YC suite.

The Haven: Cabin space in a Courtyard Penthouse Suite in the Haven is wonderful. The cabins are a great size for a suite. They are not huge ( we still talking about a one-bedroom room ) but they are large when you compare them to other cruise ship cabins.  You get a king bed, a huge closet and a really nice bathroom. The storage is also plentiful in the Haven Courtyard Penthouse. I love the layout especially with the walk through closet and I love that the bathroom comes with a bathtub. Very nice overall space (except the balcony. The balcony is very small. Enough room for 2 chairs and a small coffee table.)

Yacht Club: Cabin space in the Yacht Club is small. The Deluxe Suite is much smaller compared to the Courtyard Penthouse. There is a queen bed, a small closet and a decent size bathroom. The bathroom has a shower (no tub combination) and the sink is made of marble, which is nice. I believe the Yacht Club bathroom is a little larger than the Haven but the tub is nice to have to soak in and I don’t have to do a split in the shower to shave my legs.

Overall Cabin Size: The Haven wins this category but just by a hair. The rooms may be smaller in the Yacht Club but I don’t really spend a lot of time in the room, so this one is not that important to me. If you can only sleep on a king bed, then the Haven is for you. If you need the tub, then the Haven is for you. I liked our Yacht Club cabin very much (even though it was an inside cabin) because we got access to all the Yacht Club amenities but if cabin size is really important to you ( as in, you never leave your room, EVER ), you may want to stick with the Haven.

Amenities – (Yacht Club Wins):

Let’s talk stuff you get with your suite. This category is all about the extra perks you get with your suite and hands down, the Yacht Club wins this by a mile. There are so many perks that you get in the Yacht Club and here are just a few:

• Private, exclusive area – Stating this is putting it mildly. Not only do you get a private area, you get the whole front of the ship on Deck 16, 18 & 19. Seriously, the entire front of the ship. Deck 16 – You have access to the Top Sail Lounge. This lounge is the largest, private lounge you have ever seen and it is absolutely gorgeous. There is a full length bar, a piano, plenty of seating and to top it all off, floor to ceiling glass windows that overlook the front of the ship. And there is even an outside portion to the lounge. There are loungers and chairs so you can enjoy the sea air and you still get served by the Top Sail Lounge Staff. And I cannot say enough great things about the staff in the lounge. They were always attentive to your needs and very friendly. We always love talking to ship crew and the Top Sail Lounge crew is top notch. Deck 18 – You have access to the gorgeous and huge Yacht Club Restaurant. The restaurant sits on top of the Top Sail Lounge and has views that look out the front of the ship. If you time dinner just right, you will have the most amazing sunset meals and you can even catch a sail away if you leave a port a little later in the evening. We were even able to see sail away from Miami with the wonderful later time that MSC leaves the port ( it was raining when we left Miami but I can imagine how amazing the Miami sunset would be leaving on a nice day. Sail away from Miami is beautiful during the day but a sunset sail away would be even better ). Deck 19 – The pool area in the Yacht Club is the largest area I have ever seen dedicated to suite level guests. The pool area features a nice size pool, a huge sundeck, a full length bar and a grill that serves breakfast, lunch and snacks. If you walk closer to the front of the ship, there are two additional hot tubs (with the most amazing views) and there is plenty of tables and loungers throughout the entire deck. This area is so pretty. Pictures do not do it justice. Again, I can’t believe there was so much space dedicated to the Yacht Club. MSC really got this one right. Plenty of space for everyone to relax and soak up some sun. ( speaking of sun, if you don’t like the sun, there isn’t a lot of shade on the sun deck. They don’t have umbrellas or anything like that to cover you. They do offer private cabanas that have a cover. This is an upcharge but, if you are a pool person, the amenities are pretty cool. There is a sign at concierge that explains al the benefits you get by purchasing a private cabana. )
• Dedicated concierge – the concierge is different from NCL. The concierge is run more like a front desk rather than a private person helping you out. I liked this concept a lot. It added to that “hotel in a hotel” feeling. We have met some amazing concierges on our NCL journeys and they were wonderful. You do not get that same interaction on MSC but we do not use the concierge a lot on NCL so this was a great way to ask questions
• Mini-Bar Included – this was a HUGE perk for us in the cabin. It was really nice to grab an orange juice or soda in the morning or mix a drink later at night. The mini-bar also came with a handful of snacks like mixed nuts, Pringles and assorted chocolate snacks which was so great. I didn’t know I needed the mini-bar until it was included with the Yacht Club.
• Chocolate – Oh the chocolate. So much chocolate. From chocolate ships to chocolate pillow snacks, you had access to chocolate galore. If you love chocolate, MSC is definitely for you.
• Gelato – Yep! All you can eat gelato is included with the Yacht Club. This is typically an up-charge item on a cruise ships but it is included on MSC. And it is truly the best gelato I have ever tasted (yes, I have been to Italy and this is still the best gelato ever) .
• Pizza – Ok, this one is for everyone on the ship but it was hands down the BEST pizza at sea so I consider it to be an amenity. I think the only thing better than pizza on the Seaside would be New York City pizza. Seriously, it was the most amazing snack. The pizza was available at the regular buffet and it was also available at the family buffet during late night. I can’t tell you how many times we ended the night with a fantastic slice of pizza and sat out on the deck in front of the Top Sail Lounge watching the stars. It was the perfect way to the end the night.
• T op Sail Lounge Snacks – there were snacks in the lounge available morning, noon and night and these were in addition to the snacks and food offered at the pool. Breakfast snacks had everything from pastries to mini-pancakes. Lunch had mini-sandwiches, vegetables and fruits. Dinner had sushi, sandwiches, and they would later bring out small desserts. Usually more chocolate. Yum!
• Priority Elevator – MSC allows Yacht Club guests to use their key card to make the elevator a private access elevator that will be called directly to the floor where the card was used. We used this feature time and time again and it was so nice to have direct access to floors, instead of stopping on every floor as you go.  (we are aware of such perks in the Haven but it is not talked about. We have used this feature twice on the Epic. However, we were instructed on how to call the priority elevator from our butler on MSC)
• Afternoon Tea – I didn’t know I liked afternoon tea until we experienced it. It was such a lovely thing to do on a ship. Tea was served at 4pm in the Top Sail Lounge. A butler would come over, offer you a nice selection of teas, you chose your tea and then he/she would proceed with the service. We were also served an arrangement of awesome snacks and pastries with our tea. It was truly delightful and something that I recommend everyone try if available.
• Priority Seating in Theater –  this is a great perk on NCL and one that I wish MSC would adopt. It is really nice to know that you have a dedicated area in the theater that you don’t have to wait in line for. I like how the seats are opened to everyone at the 5 minute mark and I think this could easily be implemented on MSC. Waiting for the shows was the only thing that really made me feel like I was not in a suite level room. I am not above waiting in line for anything but I do not like when I arrive 35 minutes before the show begins, stand in line and then get pushed out of line 5 minutes before the doors open by someone who is impatient and feels like they don’t have to wait.
• Private Concierge – the Haven concierge is a totally personal experience. The concierge knows your name, your schedule, if it’s your birthday, etc. These are important things and a very nice amenity on NCL. The concierge on MSC is like the front desk of a hotel. They are always eager to help with any information or anything you need, but they do not know who you are. It is a far less personal experience.

Service – (Yacht Club Wins):

We absolutely love the crew on NCL and we have made many, many lifelong friends but the service in the Yacht Club was top notch. The servers were always attentive and you were always being asked if there was anything more that you needed. We never had to wait for a drink, food, snack or any cabin related items. It was truly a first class experience. This service is hard to put into words. I guess it was a feeling that we were important and our vacation mattered. Service in the Haven is a little different. We have always received great service but after experiencing MSC, I can now say that service felt a little forced in the Haven comparatively speaking. More like “this is what I have to do” versus “what I want to do for you”.

Service is one of those areas that is not really quantifiable. It is hard because every week can be a totally different experience based on the mood of the crew. Maybe they are having an off week or maybe something happened at home. Whatever the reason, the crew cannot be on their A game all the time. We had a great week on the Seaside but I know this could be different with the exact same crew during a different week. Everything just came together perfectly for our Seaside cruise.

Food – (Yacht Club Wins)

Food is always an interesting topic because it is subjective. What I like, you may not like and vice versa. I want to point out that we are not foodies at all. We like good tasting food but it doesn’t have to be fancy. I just want food that tastes good and is cooked well.

Yacht Club: Food in the Yacht Club Restaurant was amazing. Breakfast was ok (although I was brought Fruit Loops without ordering. That goes back to the amazing service)  in the Yacht Club but lunch and dinner were always wonderful. I especially enjoyed how the dinner menu would change nightly but there was a fixed side to the menu as well. I had always head on NCL people complaining about how the menu never changes. This never bothered me until MSC. It really is nice to have the change but it is also nice to know that there is a fixed menu so I can always have something that I like, even if I don’t like the new menu items. There was also something awesome about being surprised each night for dinner and getting to decide what delectable dish you were going to order (they do have the menus posted by lunch time but I never wanted to read them because I liked the surprise) .

Talking about the food I loved the most – I had the most amazing lobster I have ever had on a cruise ship or even on land. It was cooked to perfection and had the best sides. Sean had an amazing steak that night as well and I saw a bunch of people order them together. Perfect surf and turf!

The Haven: Food in the Haven is great and it is always great. You never have to worry about will my steak be cooked correctly, will I need to send this back or that back. Nope. NCL is consistently great when it comes to the Haven Restaurant. Like I just mentioned, I never knew I would like a changing menu until MSC but now I understand the frustration that the menu never changes. One thing that hands down NCL does better – Breakfast!! The best eggs, bacon, breads, etc. NCL does breakfast right!

Disembarkation – (Yacht Club Wins)

Disembarkation is probably the biggest reason we like to sail at the suite level. There have been more times than we can count where we have been included or have seen some kind of violence while guests are waiting to disembark the ship, standing in the walk off line. Shoo, there is nothing worse than having your vacation ruined by some idiot who is mad at the world and thinks they deserve to get off the ship before everyone else. Priority disembarkation solves all of this. You get to wake up in the morning, leisurely have breakfast and then casually walk off the ship. Both NCL and MSC have great disembarkations but MSC is a little more personal.

Yacht Club: On the last day of our cruise, we walked out to the concierge area (the front desk) and the concierge called our butler. Our butler and room steward took our luggage (we did walk off) and escorted us to the gangway to leave the ship. That’s right. We had a personal walk off from our butler and room steward. It was amazing. They walked us right past the walk off line and we were out the door just like that. It was a nice way to say a final goodbye to these 2 people that took such great care of us all week.

The Haven: Disembarkation begins by everyone waiting in the concierge, lounge area. Once the order has been given, the concierge walks a group of guests down to the gangway. The concierge uses the crew elevator and escorts you down to the security line. This is where you merge into the big line of guests who are doing non-priority walk off. I always feel a little bad cutting in line in front of these people. There are usually words thrown at us like “must be nice” or “why do they get to cut in front of us? We have been waiting for 2 hours”. These comments make disembarkation a little less than enjoyable but you don’t have to deal with it too long and you are off the ship.

Overall Disembarkation: Overall, I really like the way MSC handles leaving the ship. It is a first class experience and you get to go through security by yourself, while they keep the mass line farther back from the exit. There is no mass merge with the crowd and therefore, no harsh words heard at the end of a great week. I also really liked saying goodbye and hugging our butler and room steward at the gangway. It was just a nice way to end our cruise and had me walking away with a smile.

Overall Feelings

We love both NCL and MSC. We have a lot of history on NCL (16 sailings to date) but MSC has opened our eyes to some things that we absolutely love but didn’t know we loved until this cruise. We always like to compare our experiences to other things in life for reference. Overall I would compare the service on the Seaside to be first class and I would compare the Haven to be business class. Both will give you an amazing experience and provide you a great vacation but MSC does the “hotel in a hotel” experience a little bit better than NCL. We love both cruise lines and I cannot wait for our next Haven and Yacht Club cruises!

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Anthony Fontenot

Thanks for this great revue Stef. I love NCL and always stay in the Haven. But in ‘19 I’ll stay in the Yacht Club twice, and I’m really looking forward to it. In addition to the things you mentioned, the Yacht club is apx. $3,000.00 cheaper than the Haven. So while I truly love NCL, MSC just might win me over. Thanks again!

I agree. NCL Haven has gotten WAY too expensive for us. Yacht Club seems to be the same price as the Club Class on Princess. I’ll choose Yacht Club.

Linda Sisco

Looking forward staying in YC on Splendida in Septmber of 2020. Thanks for the wonderful comparison.

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NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club Which To Choose

Love the idea of sailing off on a luxury cruise but hate the idea of crowded spaces, long lines at the buffet or elevator and busy pool decks? The ship within a ship experience offered by many major cruise lines is just the ticket to enjoy an exclusive mega-yacht cruising experience without completely breaking the bank. Here we will compare two major cruise lines’ VIP offerings – as we go head to head with NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club.

NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club – The suites

Ncl haven vs msc yacht club – butler and concierge, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – restaurants and food, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – bars and lounges, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – onboard perks, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – private islands, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – other considerations, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – upgrade bids, ncl haven vs msc yacht club – the conclusion.

NCL and MSC Cruise Lines

Before we start with the head to head NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club here is a brief overview of the two cruise lines.

NCL is a US-based cruise line, known for its Freestyle Cruising style, no set meal times in any cabin class, less formal dress codes and excellent vibrant entertainment. On the newer ships in particular you can expect to find exciting features such as karting tracks, vast waterpark areas, outdoor cinema, sports decks and gaming areas. NCL is also renowned for its fine dining speciality restaurants with international flavours, along with numerous bars serving a wide range of beverages including NCL’s famous cocktails. Some of NCL’s older ships do not have Haven but some offer suites with the same perks as Haven. Find out more about crusing with NCL here .

MSC is an Italian cruise line which has grown exponentially in recent years, expanding its sailing from the Mediterranean to the US, Caribbean, South America, Africa and the Middle East. MSC ships are elegant and beautifully decorated, featuring classic Italian marble, elegant artwork and a sumptuous luxurious feel throughout. The new, recently launched ships feature internal promenades with ceiling light and sound displays and to compete with the US lines, waterparks, zip lines and a range of other high-octane activities. The older and smaller MSC ships do not have Yacht Club. All MSC ships have Aurea Class which includes some non-Yacht Club extras including a dedicated sundeck. Find out more about MSC cruises here .

Whether you choose NCL Haven or MSC Yacht club you are going to get a beautiful luxurious suite, spacious and sumptuously decorated, with the best linens, high-end branded toiletries, mini bars and coffee makers. On the newer MSC ships, huge duplex suites are available with private hot tub while NCL’s Garden Villas can accommodate up to eight people. Both lines offer the highest end of luxury with the Owners Suites boasting huge wraparound terraces and spacious entertaining areas. MSC also offers inside suites within its Yacht Club programme, a perfectly cost-effective option.

The Lowdown

So which cruise line has the sweetest suites? NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club. Difficult choice really as much depends on the ship. I personally love the 2-bedroom suites on NCL Epic – the bath tub and separate shower with floor to ceiling windows are something special (careful if you’re in port!) On MSC’s older ships the Yacht Club balcony suites offer excellent value for money while on the newer ships the large balcony suites and duplex suites are simply fabulous.

It’s time for battle of the butlers – NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club, in both you will enjoy the services of dedicated butlers and concierge facilities. This VIP service starts from the moment you drop your bags at the port. You wil be whisked through security into the dedicated check in area. Once you’ve checked in you can enjoy drinks and snack (depending on the port) in the emabarkation lounge and then be escorted to the ship. You will ride up in the special elevator to the Haven or Yacht Club lounge where you can relax or take a tour of the facilities before being escorted to your suite.

The role of the butler is similar on both cruise lines although with NCL the concierge or assistant concierge plays more of a role in escorting guests off the ship on port days and to theatre shows etc. With MSC this is included in the butler’s role.

In both cases the butler is your go-to for any requests, a particular snack you would like delivered in the afternoon, room service delivery, extra pillows or towels, while your room steward is responsible for general cleaning of the suite.

Butlers vary in visibility, some cruisers complain that they never see their butler, others comment that they see them too often! Remember it is hard for them to know exactly what each guest prefers so don’t be afraid to let them know. Have a chat with them and get to know them, having an excellent relationships with your butler can make all the difference.

NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club provide guests with portable phones they can use to contact their butler from anywhere around the ship. Fancy a burger poolside? Your butler will be happy to oblige.

The Concierge desk is the place to go fo dinner and show reservations, questions about your suite if your butler isn’t around, help with setting up onboard wifi, assistance getting on and off the ship on port days. In NCL Haven the concierge and his/her team are more hands on, where on MSC they operate more as a front desk for Yacht Club.

So which cruise line offer the best butler for your buck? It’s a real tough one. I have enjoyed the services of all my butlers on both NCL and MSC. Some have been more visible than others but no big deal for me. A female butler on NCL Epic was amazing when I picked up a flu virus on a cruise, bringing me chicken noodle soup every day. Butlers with MSC also double up as attendants in the Top Sail Lounge so you find yourself interacting with other butlers not just the one allocated to your suite.

As previously mentioned concierges on MSC generally provide a desk-based service, with the butlers escorting guests to shows etc. On NCL the concierge and assistants will perform this duty.

If pushed, I would say the personal attention from the butlers in MSC Yacht Club is possibly more noticable but I think it is more because the specific roles on the two cruise lines is slightly different.

Food is such a subjective topic so I am going to just share my own thoughts here and leave it for you to decide.

NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club and food. Both have dedicated restaurants where you can dine at any time during the opening hours. There is no need to make reservations and you will be seated at a table just for your party – unless you request to sit with another group. The restaurant is located in the main Haven/Yacht Club area in most cases but be aware on a couple of the older MCS ships, the Yacht Club restaurant is at the other end of the ship. Some cruisers do not like this but I always quite enjoy the stroll on deck or through the main decks of the ship on the way to and from the restaurant.

NCL Haven’s dedicated restaurant is calm and serene with no reservation required although at peak dining times (which vary greatly depending on the route) you may need to wait a short time for a table.

The food is excellent and you can usually request small adjustments to the dishes to suit your taste. The menu in the Haven Restaurant does not rotate and is the same every day, although there will usually be a daily special offered. As with other restaurants throughout NCL ships you can order extra dishes or swap appetizers for entrees etc.

The wine list is varied and the staff are happy to make suggestions or let you sample different wines.

The Haven Restaurant is open breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are table service although at breakfast there is also a small buffet serving pastries, cold meats/cheeses, cereal etc.

MSC’s Yacht Club Restaurant has a similar exclusive atmosphere and again is open breakast, lunch and dinner. There are tables to suit all group sizes and it is all table service.

The menu in MSC Yacht Club restaurant changes daily and often features themed dishes from the port of call for that day. There are also options such as steak and salmon that are offered daily. As with NCL special requests can usually be accomodated and you can order extra dishes.

There is an extensive wine list and most MSC Yacht Club restaurants have a dedicated somelier to help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your meal.

Up until recently NCL Haven restaurant food would have won hands down but on a recent NCL cruise I thought the quality wasn’t quite the same as on previous cruises. Anyway the choice is always excellent, portion sizes are about right and there is usually a tasty fish/seafood option but the same menu every day gets old quickly on a cruise longer than two weeks. We usually intersperse with speciality restaurants to break the monotony.

The fish and seafood on offer can be destination specific and I have been disappointed on NCL cruises in Europe but on a Caribbean or Transatlantic cruise the shrimp dishes are amazing and the chance to eat Mahi Mahi, (a fish not available this side of the pond) every day makes my cruise.

MSC Yacht Club

MSC is a European cruise line and the food reflects that, don’t get me wrong – I am European – but some non-Europeans may find the portion sizes too small, easily fixed, just order a second dish. The variety is great and there has always been a dish to suit my taste and that of my husband.

However, and this is where I get to the subjective part, I like my food packed with flavour, if it’s described on the menu as spicy shrimp, I want that shrimp spicy. To me I think MSC plays it a little safe, erring on the side of bland. Many times I’ve ordered what is described beautifully as though lots of passion has been put into the thought process, but when it comes to the execution it is somehow lacking. The exception is when it comes to pasta and pizza, both freshly made to perfection reminding you that you are on an Italian cruise line.

The above mostly relates to the appetizers and entrees, the desserts however are amazing, Italians know how to make decadent pastries, rich creams, mousses, gelato and of course the Tiramisu is to die for. I rarely eat dessert but on an MSC cruise it’s well worth a few extra hours in the gym not to miss out on a taste sensation.

Other Restaurants Onboard

Guests in NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club can of course eat at the other restaurants on the ship. NCL usually includes a couple of speciality restaurant meals in your cruise package whereas MSC only includes this for loyalty card holders. You can still pay for a la carte though. Suite guests can also take advantage of the main buffet. Personally I find the buffet on MSC ships a little manic and I don’t love the food choice. On NCL ships the buffet is excellent and it’s often where I will head to grab a quick breakfast or lunch rather than opt for the table service in the Haven restaurant (things to do, places to go!)

As I said earlier, whether food is good or not so good is very subjective and depends on a persons taste so no winner or loser here, give them both a try and make your own judgement.

When it comes to recreation areas in the battle between NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club both cruise lines are winners. Both offer exclusive bars, lounges and sundecks. The sundecks are themselves worth their weight in gold especially for sunlovers on a cruise with lots of sea days. No rushing early in the morning to secure a comfortable cushioned sun lounger, dedicated bar staff and drinks served in glass rather than plastic. Located at the front of the ship to make the most of the ocean views. Haven and Yacht Club sundecks are a real treat.

When it comes to the exclusive bar/lounges on both cruise lines, I have rarely found them busy, except on the evening of the officers’ cocktail party. In fact on most MSC cruises, we’ve been the only ones in the Top Sail Lounge for pre-dinner drinks which is a pity as the setting is beautiful and piano music or a singer sets the tone for a wonderful evening. Maybe its purely to do with timing, in southern Europe we eat very late so maybe when we are enjoying pre-dinner drinks everyone else is tucking into dinner.

The MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge has snacks available all day up until midnight, breakfast is pastries, cereal and juices but other breakfast items are available to order. The pool deck has a sit up bar, a small buffet plus a chef cooking a daily special on deck and other items are available to order.

The Haven bar is usually a little busier and has its regulars sitting up at the bar both before and after dinner and the atmosphere is slightly less formal. Any snacks will be in the form of savoury crackers. The cocktails are more elaborate than on MSC. It is unusual to find live music in the Haven bar.

Food and drinks can be ordered in the Haven pool area throughout the day.

Both cruise lines are winners here, the exclusive bars and sundecks are worth every penny spent on the cruise. Elegant and sophisticated and with the feel of a private club. On sea days or when you prefer to stay onboard the sundecks on both cruise lines are a world away from the hectic atmosphere of the main deck.

Disclaimer here! You should check what is included with your cruise fare, offers vary and perks can also vary. Depending on your booking location the info below may not apply to your particular offer.

Guests booking NCL Haven will have similar general perks included to those of guests in the main part of the ship. These can include, two or three speciality restaurant meals, a number of hours free internet, beverage package, a small discount on an excursion and sometimes some onboard credit.

Haven-specific perks include a higher end beverage package, snacks delivered to your room daily, discounted laundry service, bathrobes, high-end toiletries in the bathroom, chocolates on the pillow at turndown service, fresh flowers, priority emabarkation/disembarkation, priority tenders, priority disembarketion on port days, special seating area in the main theatre, the aforemention butler and concierge service, dedicated Haven pool deck, Haven bar/restaurant, stocked mini bar, Nespresso coffee maker, souvenir cruise card wallet and Haven cocktail party with the ship’s officers. Guests who book one of the Owner’s Suites are also able to choose a bottle of spirit for their bar. Guest who book Haven Spa Suites also have access to the Mandara spa.

MSC has fewer general perks outside of Yacht Club. A bonus for those booking in the UK is that gratuties are included, which means there will be no daily charge appearing on your account. Loyalty card holders at a certain level will receive a meal in a speciality restaurant.

Yacht Club-specific perks are plentiful and include, free daily newspaper, chocolates on your pillow, box of macarons, a free bottle of spirit or champagne in your room, daily in-room snacks, bathrobes, pillow menu, priority emabrkation/disembarkation, priority tenders, priority disembarkation and embarkation on port days, high-end toiletries, dedicated seating in theatre, butler and concierge service, priority show and dining reservations, free internet for the duration of the cruise, officer’s cocktail party, room service included, Lavazzo coffee maker (not on all ships), stocked mini bar, still and sparkling water refreshed daily, Yacht Club bar/lounge and restaurant, dedicated pool deck and access to spa facilities.

While both cruise lines offer excellent perks to their VIP guests, MSC has the edge with the free internet and daily water. That being said the free speciality dining is a great offer on NCL although this is for all guests (depending on offer available at time of booking).

Both NCL and MSC have private islands in the Caribbean or Bahamas which are the for exclusive use of their cruise passengers.

NCL Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay is located in the Bahamas. This is a tender port and Haven guests will be given priority boarding. Drinks packages are accepted on the island and there is food available free of charge. There is no dedicated Haven area on Great Stirrup Cay but there is an area called Silver Cove where cabanas can be rented with prices starting at around $450 dollars per cabana.

NCL Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye is NCL’s private Island off Belize. Due to an agreement with the Belize goverment, drinks packages are not accepted on the island and food is not included. The idea is that the island helps the local Belize economy. Food and drinks can be purchased using US Dollars. There is no dedicated Haven area on Harvest Caye.

MSC Ocean Cay

Ocean Cay is MSC’s private island in the Bahamas. There are a total of eight beaches on the island, one – Ocean House Beach, is exclusive to Yacht Club guests along with a restaurant, sun loungers and parasols. Yacht Club guests can also pre-book cabanas from $450 and these include, food, drinks, fruit skewers, snorkel gear and floating mats. A tram will take Yacht Club guest to the beach from the port and back again.

Who doesn’t love a private island? All three offerings are excellent but MSC’s Ocean Cay takes some beating especially when it comes to facilities and services for Yacht Club guests. The service is as great as it is on the ship and the exclusivity is something not offered on NCL’s private islands.

Here are a few tips and things to consider when choosing between the two ‘ship within a ship’ offerings and what to look out for on each cruise line when selecting your suite.

If you want the luxury of the serenity and luxury of the ehanced service and being far from the madding crowd, MSC probably offers the best deals price wise, the Yacht Club inside suite options have a good lead-in price and the perks included such as free internet throughout the duration of the cruise can add to the cost effectiveness.

While I have always been a big fan of NCL Haven, the pricing has gone overboard (pardon the pun) in recent years. A transatlantic crossing in NCL Haven in spring 2023 cost almost double that of a similar crossing in MSC Yacht Club for a comparable balcony suite.

Choosing Your Suite

As I mentioned at the start of this piece, do your research before you book and make sure the research is specific to the ship. On both cruise lines there are suites without a balcony that instead have wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows, great views but if you enjoy the ocean breeze from the privacy of your balcony, these are not the suites for you. Front facing suites usually have balconies enclosed in glass for obvious reasons, again these will not suit some people.

NCL Haven offerings include aft-facing suites, if big balconies and fabulous views are your thing, these are often the lower prices Haven suites but be aware you will be located at the opposite end of the ship to the Haven proper and on the large ships that can be quite a treck.

Haven Spa suites are also usually outside of the Haven proper, instead located on the same deck as the Mandara Spa. On some older and smaller NCL ships including NCL Dawn, there is no dedicated Haven area, instead you can book a large luxury suite, enjoy breakfast and lunch in two of the speciality restaurants and still enjoy most of the Haven perks including butler and concierge service.

Be aware, NCL also has a category of accomodation called Club Balcony suites (formerly called mini suites) these are in the main part of the ship, are often slightly larger and with bigger balcony plus usually a bathtub. These are not Haven suites and include none of the perks.

MSC also has some suites located outside the main Yacht Club area, on some ships the Duplex Suites are in the main part of the ship as are the spa suites.

I couldn’t complete an article on NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club without mentioning upgrade bidding. Both NCL and MSC offer an upgrade programme subject to availablity. A few weeks or more before your cruise you may receive an email offering you the opportunity to bid for a higher category of cabin or suite. There is usually some kind of guideline as to what is a good or poor bid but it’s mostly up to you what you want to offer.

Many cruisers rely on the upgrade programme on all their cruises and are often successful. Personally it’s not for me, I like to hand pick my suite on a certain side of the ship and the anticipation and waiting would drive me crazy. I did try it once and it worked out great but I was probably unbearable to live with while I was waiting to see if my bid was successful!

Things you should bear in mind. If your bid is accepted, the money will be taken from your credit card immediately and there is no going back. You can not specify a particular cabin/suite, deck or location. With MSC if you already pre-paid for internet when you booked a regular cabin, you won’t get that fee refunded even though you now get free internet as part of the Yacht Club perks. On both NCL and MSC, if your bid to upgrade from a regular cabin to a Haven or Yacht Club suite is successful you will receive all the perks related to that.

You will only be offered to bid up to a certain level of cabin or suite, so if you book the lowest cost inside cabin you won’t be offered an upgrade to a Haven or Yacht Club suite. You could bid for a balcony cabin.

Really there is no conclusion to this NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club showdown, it is all down to personal preference, price or even itineraries on offer. Loyalty to a particular cruise line can also play a part especially when it comes to loyalty points and status levels. Bear in mind MSC status matches you from your status level on another cruise line so you can get in at a higher level from your very first booking.

My personal opinion when it comes to NCL Haven vs MSC Yacht Club is I love both and I wouldn’t cruise any other way. Price is definitely a consideration for me when I book, so with Haven becoming further out of reach I am leaning more to booking Yacht Club. That being said, I’m certainly not done with NCL yet and you will definitely see me at a Haven bar in the near future!

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Reader Interactions

September 30, 2023 at 10:24

Those Yacht club premium benefits sound incredible! I have heard any stories about how expensive is the interent during the cruise, so it is good to hear there are offers where this is included along with other perks. I have never been on a cruise myself yet, but your post really makes me want to try it!

September 30, 2023 at 14:45

Thank you! I hope you give it a try!

September 30, 2023 at 14:22

We usually travel on smaller cruise ships. But have been interested in looking at NCL’s Haven. Good to read to read this review of the Haven versus MSC’s Yacht Club. Free internet and water might be a swing factor for us with MSC. And interesting to read that the Haven pricing has gone a bit crazy. Good to now have another option with MSC.

September 30, 2023 at 14:44

We enjoy the ship within a ship experiences as it makes you feel you are on a smaller ship. We are booked in Haven on the NCL Joy transatlantic in January, can’t wait!

September 30, 2023 at 14:56

I’ve never been on a cruise ship and we’re planning to book one. You gave me a lot of idea what to look for. Thanks for the tips!

October 3, 2023 at 07:41

Thanks Gladis! I hope you find a nice cruise!

September 30, 2023 at 21:49

Both look amazing! I do hope to someday try out these ship-in-ship offers – unfortunately they are often a bit out of my price range. But I am definitely keeping my eyes open for a good deal. Thanks so much for this informative post!

Thanks Kitty! Keep an eye on MSC, they often have some good prices.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Love the Haven, but trying MSC Yacht Club

By wolft927 , January 27, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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So Been very loyal to NCL for a lot of years and absolutely love the Haven. We are booked on the Joy in the Haven in  April but in December we will be trying the MSC Yacht Club on the Seascape. The main reason we are trying it is simply one thing....PRICE. I have been looking at December on the Escape in the Haven and the cheapest we can find is The Haven Spa Suite  which is fine with us and total is $7,046.00. On the MSC Seascape for a Deluxe yacht club suite ( which includes all the thermal spa access) is only $5,300. $1,750 cheaper. Haven Prices have gone absolutely crazy lately, so we will be giving MSC a chance. Anyone ever try the Yacht club and did not like it? Any reason to not try MSC?  

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Cruise5life

1 minute ago, wolft927 said: So Been very loyal to NCL for a lot of years and absolutely love the Haven. We are booked on the Joy in the Haven in  April but in December we will be trying the MSC Yacht Club on the Seascape. The main reason we are trying it is simply one thing....PRICE. I have been looking at December on the Escape in the Haven and the cheapest we can find is The Haven Spa Suite  which is fine with us and total is $7,046.00. On the MSC Seascape for a Deluxe yacht club suite ( which includes all the thermal spa access) is only $5,300. $1,750 cheaper. Haven Prices have gone absolutely crazy lately, so we will be giving MSC a chance. Anyone ever try the Yacht club and did not like it? Any reason to not try MSC?  

The shows on MSC are terrible.  So if you don’t mind high school type variety  shows then your ok.     

other than that no help on other aspects. I don’t spend the extra money for the haven or yacht club.     I can do 3 cruise for the price of 1 lol.    

Just now, Cruise5life said: The shows on MSC are terrible.  So if you don’t mind high school type variety  shows then your ok.      other than that no help on other aspects. I don’t spend the extra money for the haven or yacht club.     I can do 3 cruise for the price of 1 lol.    

Shows are not very important to my wife and I. Fortunately, my wife and I have been very successful in life and do not mind spending on the Haven.  

1 minute ago, wolft927 said: Shows are not very important to my wife and I. Fortunately, my wife and I have been very successful in life and do not mind spending on the Haven.  

That’s awesome.    I enjoy the shows.  it breaks up the every day excursions and ship activities.     Enjoy your experience.

I’m on an MSC ship right now part of my 29 days at sea. 3 cruise line NCL MSC RC.  All for about your price of the YC.      

Did the haven on Joy in February and YC on Grandiosa in October.  I think msc was better with exception of food.  There were some hits and misses with the menu that does change daily.  Haven did a nice consistent job though.   Service on MSC was far superior.  Butler was amazing.  Nice having minibar included.  Enjoyed the sun deck buffet and having pool in addition to hot tubs.  Lounge better with snacks available and live music at night.  Escorts available to take you everywhere.   I blogged about both Alpacamybagsblog dot com if you want lots of details and photos.  

3 minutes ago, rxlowry said: Did the haven on Joy in February and YC on Grandiosa in October.  I think msc was better with exception of food.  There were some hits and misses with the menu that does change daily.  Haven did a nice consistent job though.   Service on MSC was far superior.  Butler was amazing.  Nice having minibar included.  Enjoyed the sun deck buffet and having pool in addition to hot tubs.  Lounge better with snacks available and live music at night.  Escorts available to take you everywhere.   I blogged about both Alpacamybagsblog dot com if you want lots of details and photos.  

Thanks so much! Again, Love the Haven but the price difference is kinda crazy. Plus, Love the fact the Yacht club has a full pool in that area

cruiseny4life

17 minutes ago, wolft927 said: On the MSC Seascape for a Deluxe yacht club suite ( which includes all the thermal spa access) is only $5,300. $1,750 cheaper.

I keep going back and forth on Yacht Club. Eventually I'll find a decent price that will get my "I will never wear pants" husband to say yes. But, this Deluxe Yacht Club Suite...is it an interior room or balcony? The thing that gets me with Yacht Club (every single time) is the low price. Then I click the button and realize it's for a stupid interior room which I will probably not ever cruise in (see, I didn't say never). 🙂  

Regardless, I would love to hear your comparisons later this year! 

2 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said: I keep going back and forth on Yacht Club. Eventually I'll find a decent price that will get my "I will never wear pants" husband to say yes. But, this Deluxe Yacht Club Suite...is it an interior room or balcony? The thing that gets me with Yacht Club (every single time) is the low price. Then I click the button and realize it's for a stupid interior room which I will probably not ever cruise in (see, I didn't say never). 🙂     Regardless, I would love to hear your comparisons later this year! 

This Price is a Balcony the interior was almost $2k cheaper

Dr. Cocktail

I've sailed in the Haven about 8 times and the YC three times.

I really enjoy the MSC vibe - VERY different from NCL but that's what I like!

YC food is nowhere near the quality of the food of the Haven - we're not talking preparation, we're talking actual quality of ingredients. But yes - the menu changes nightly and the specialty restaurants are good.

The production shows have to be seen to be believed - they actually occasionally go into the "they're so bad that they're good" category. I can only imagine the hallucinogens used by the creative team ..

However - lots of good music around the ship and there is live music in the YC lounge from around 5:30 to midnight.

The dealbreaker for us on Divina and Seaside was simply the total lack of shade on the YC decks. No overhangs, no umbrellas - nothing. Like a blast furnace but hotter.

I think that the Meraviglia class ships have a louvered glass covering on their sundecks.

7 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said: I've sailed in the Haven about 8 times and the YC three times.   I really enjoy the MSC vibe - VERY different from NCL but that's what I like!   YC food is nowhere near the quality of the food of the Haven - we're not talking preparation, we're talking actual quality of ingredients. But yes - the menu changes nightly and the specialty restaurants are good.   The production shows have to be seen to be believed - they actually occasionally go into the "they're so bad that they're good" category. I can only imagine the hallucinogens used by the creative team .. However - lots of good music around the ship and there is live music in the YC lounge from around 5:30 to midnight.   The dealbreaker for us on Divina and Seaside was simply the total lack of shade on the YC decks. No overhangs, no umbrellas - nothing. Like a blast furnace but hotter.   I think that the Meraviglia class ships have a louvered glass covering on their sundecks.

We looked at Yacht Club, but after seeing some video reviews, decided against it primarily because of the “No shade” thing. It’s the same thing that made us cancel the Prima and book another Joy Haven trip instead. Looks like very very little shade on the Prima haven deck. Disappointing.  

36 minutes ago, wolft927 said: So Been very loyal to NCL for a lot of years and absolutely love the Haven. We are booked on the Joy in the Haven in  April but in December we will be trying the MSC Yacht Club on the Seascape. The main reason we are trying it is simply one thing....PRICE. I have been looking at December on the Escape in the Haven and the cheapest we can find is The Haven Spa Suite  which is fine with us and total is $7,046.00. On the MSC Seascape for a Deluxe yacht club suite ( which includes all the thermal spa access) is only $5,300. $1,750 cheaper. Haven Prices have gone absolutely crazy lately, so we will be giving MSC a chance. Anyone ever try the Yacht club and did not like it? Any reason to not try MSC?  

I cannot comment on the comparisons with The Haven because we haven't tried it, and likely won't, based on what I deem to be outrageous pricing. However, we've sailed 3 times with MSC and twice in the Yacht Club. For us, it's an amazing bargain. The Yacht Club is fantastic: you feel pampered from the time you arrive at embarkation, warmly greeted by a chaperone who whisks you to your cabin, drink in hand. Everyone is so nice, and we found our butler(s) to be absolutely stellar. I always ask for a copy of a European newspaper (usually an Italian one), I love going to the grille by the pool or the Topsail lounge for cappuccinos or cocktails, and there's always food to be had. We've had outstanding meals in the restaurants, where they will custom make you just about anything you want (and being an Italian line, the fresh-made pastas are to die for). We've paid very reasonable prices, too, roughly $3,000 per person (or less) for a Deluxe Balcony (7-day cruise, FYI). Finally, my wife and I love the distinctly European vibe on MSC ships. I don't tend to go to many shows, because after visiting ports during the day and having dinner later, I'm usually too tired. However, we saw some excellent shows with opera house-quality singers (I'm a professional singer myself so that's my thing). All in all, I'd say MSC is our favorite line, but we also REALLY like NCL.

1 minute ago, DCGuy64 said: We've paid very reasonable prices, too, roughly $3,000 per person (or less) for a Deluxe Balcony (7-day cruise, FYI).

I know you said you haven't sailed in the Haven due to the prices...but we have never paid more than $3,000 per person to sail in the Haven (if you take out the shore excursions). In fact, our cruise in March will only be just less than $3,300 per person which includes BOGO airfare, nearly $1,000 in shore excursions, and insurance. 

Fare only is just under $1,900 per person, inclusive of port fees and taxes. This is for the base model Haven suite on Joy. 

Our previous Haven cruises, 2 were in aft-facing balcony suites with a master bedroom/living area/huge balcony, and 1 was in a Haven Penthouse suite (base level). 

16 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said: I know you said you haven't sailed in the Haven due to the prices...but we have never paid more than $3,000 per person to sail in the Haven (if you take out the shore excursions). In fact, our cruise in March will only be just less than $3,300 per person which includes BOGO airfare, nearly $1,000 in shore excursions, and insurance.    Fare only is just under $1,900 per person, inclusive of port fees and taxes. This is for the base model Haven suite on Joy.    Our previous Haven cruises, 2 were in aft-facing balcony suites with a master bedroom/living area/huge balcony, and 1 was in a Haven Penthouse suite (base level). 

Thanks for that. Every time I've looked at prices on NCL in The Haven, they have been $5,000 pp and over. Please bear in mind a few things: we don't book based on price, we book based on itinerary and time of year. Both my wife and I still work full time and our vacation time is limited, so I generally look at cruises based on when it suits our schedules, which might not be when the cheap(er) cabins are available. Also, I've priced out Haven cabins before, just for kicks, and what NCL posts as the price is exclusive of all the extras, whereas on MSC the price you pay includes everything but port fees. (Neither line includes DSC, of course) As an example, our Club Balcony suite costs about $2,000 pp for an upcoming cruise to Italy and Greece. The cheapest Haven cabin is a whopping $4,400 per person! And NCL still tacks on gratuities for the beverage package. With MSC, drinks in YC are included at no extra charge. So that $4,400 price becomes $4,765 once the extra fees are added. Now, I suppose if you looked hard enough, you might be able to find comparable prices for similar itineraries in The Haven and the Yacht Club, but that isn't how we plan our vacations. We prefer to decide where/when to go and then see whose offers are best, and MSC usually wins. Edit: just for kicks, I looked at a comparable cruise on MSC for the same time of year, same area (Mediterranean), and a Deluxe Suite in the Yacht Club was $2,756 per person. That's $1,700 per person cheaper. I'll take that! 🙂

14 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said: Thanks for that. Every time I've looked at prices on NCL in The Haven, they have been $5,000 pp and over. Please bear in mind a few things: we don't book based on price, we book based on itinerary and time of year. Both my wife and I still work full time and our vacation time is limited, so I generally look at cruises based on when it suits our schedules, which might not be when the cheap(er) cabins are available. Also, I've priced out Haven cabins before, just for kicks, and what NCL posts as the price is exclusive of all the extras, whereas on MSC the price you pay includes everything but port fees. (Neither line includes DSC, of course) As an example, our Club Balcony suite costs about $2,000 pp for an upcoming cruise to Italy and Greece. The cheapest Haven cabin is a whopping $4,400 per person! And NCL still tacks on gratuities for the beverage package. With MSC, drinks in YC are included at no extra charge. So that $4,400 price becomes $4,765 once the extra fees are added. Now, I suppose if you looked hard enough, you might be able to find comparable prices for similar itineraries in The Haven and the Yacht Club, but that isn't how we plan our vacations. We prefer to decide where/when to go and then see whose offers are best, and MSC usually wins. Edit: just for kicks, I looked at a comparable cruise on MSC for the same time of year, same area (Mediterranean), and a Deluxe Suite in the Yacht Club was $2,756 per person. That's $1,700 per person cheaper. I'll take that! 🙂

I'll always take the cheapest! If only I could convince someone. We both still work too, unfortunately we have a few decades before retirement will happen. Well, unless we win the jackpot! 

Thankfully we both have flexible jobs (outside of April - Sept. for him), and we really choose our sailings based on price, then itinerary. The Yacht Club is really appealing to me and the fresh mozzarella and pizza offerings. I'm really a simple person. 

And trust me, I've seen those prices for the Haven. They're not for us! I wish, but I quit my lucrative job, because I didn't feel like working 12 hour days. I'm with you on finding affordable vacations, but just wanted to be sure you knew it is possible to find a humanely priced Haven suite. 🙂

That trip to Italy and Greece sounds heavenly!! Enjoy all that yummy Mediterranean food!

We did both last year.  Haven on Joy and Yacht Club on Seashore.

I liked YC a little better.  DH preferred Haven (he still talks about having lobster every night.)

I don't care for indoor pools, so if I went on Prima I'd probably say two votes for Haven.  

NyYankees2k3

1 hour ago, rxlowry said: Did the haven on Joy in February and YC on Grandiosa in October.  I think msc was better with exception of food.  There were some hits and misses with the menu that does change daily.  Haven did a nice consistent job though.   Service on MSC was far superior.  Butler was amazing.  Nice having minibar included.  Enjoyed the sun deck buffet and having pool in addition to hot tubs.  Lounge better with snacks available and live music at night.  Escorts available to take you everywhere.   I blogged about both Alpacamybagsblog dot com if you want lots of details and photos.  

What are you thoughts on the ship clientele on MSC?  I've always thought to try in general, and even do Yacht club. However, I've heard such mixed things about Food + rude passengers. Thought's?

We’ve sailed more than 10 times in the Haven and six times in the YC. Service is generally better in the YC (Butler service is hit and miss on both). The sun/pool deck on the YC has a bar and buffet restaurant (open breakfast and lunch) making it far superior to the Haven. The included YC drink package offers more top shelf liquors. The Haven bartenders are mixologists and much better than their counterparts in the YC. We actually prefer the smaller portion sizes in the YC restaurant (you still have the option of ordering as much as you want). The Top Sail Lounge in the YC has nightly entertainment with pretty consistent waiter service as opposed to the Horizon Lounge in the Haven. NCL’s loyalty program is better than MSC’s. NCL entertainment is better.  The Haven has more cabin choices. YC includes Spa access. If you’re doing a Caribbean cruise, the one major inclusion that sets the YC apart from the Haven is MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, where cruisers in the YC have their own private restaurant and beach area. The price difference between the two experiences was quite substantial a few years back but the YC prices are increasing to the point that some sailings are priced not that far apart. We are sailing in the Haven in two weeks on the Joy and have also booked a B2B on the Seascape in November. We enjoy both experiences but if I had to choose one I’d pick the YC because it’s still better value.

MsTabbyKats

So....here's my 2 cents.

DH always said "the day he'd need a butler would be the day he couldn't do things for himself".

Life happened and he's recovering (very well I may add) from major surgury....but balance has been an issue.

I didn't want him to stand on long lines or carry his plate in the buffet....so I checked the YCI on Meraviglia.  It was a few dollars less for 8 days than a 7 day "sail away balcony guarantee" on NCL Getaway for the same week.

To me, worth the price if only to avoid "standing, walking, waiting issues".  The bar, the spa, the dining, the butler.....all bonuses.

I think that Ocean Cay as a YC passenger will far surpasses NCL's GSC, where you have to tendar even if you're in the Haven.

I've checked Haven prices....and although I can afford it....it just isn't "cost effective".

scooter6139

I would love to try an MSC cruise and their YC, as The Haven is just so friggin' expensive lately (7 Day Alaska in April 2024 is still hovering around $7k for a Forward Suite)

But, alas, since we poor schmucks on the US West Coast don't have any MSC boats to go on, we will just have to wait.  When they finally get to doing Alaska (out only logical option, as we don't like flying and must stick with wifey's Teacher schedule), we will be some of the first to give it a shot.

21 minutes ago, gmbhardy said: We’ve sailed more than 10 times in the Haven and six times in the YC. Service is generally better in the YC (Butler service is hit and miss on both). The sun/pool deck on the YC has a bar and buffet restaurant (open breakfast and lunch) making it far superior to the Haven. The included YC drink package offers more top shelf liquors. The Haven bartenders are mixologists and much better than their counterparts in the YC. We actually prefer the smaller portion sizes in the YC restaurant (you still have the option of ordering as much as you want). The Top Sail Lounge in the YC has nightly entertainment with pretty consistent waiter service as opposed to the Horizon Lounge in the Haven. NCL’s loyalty program is better than MSC’s. NCL entertainment is better.  The Haven has more cabin choices. YC includes Spa access. If you’re doing a Caribbean cruise, the one major inclusion that sets the YC apart from the Haven is MSC’s private island Ocean Cay, where cruisers in the YC have their own private restaurant and beach area. The price difference between the two experiences was quite substantial a few years back but the YC prices are increasing to the point that some sailings are priced not that far apart. We are sailing in the Haven in two weeks on the Joy and have also booked a B2B on the Seascape in November. We enjoy both experiences but if I had to choose one I’d pick the YC because it’s still better value.

How do you like MSC in General.  I'm platinum on NCL, pretty close to next status.  I have never been on MSC before, but I am gold, because of a Status match years ago.  Not sure if that means much.  I've only done NCL Haven 1 time, this year, and we paid to upgrade.  Personally, I'd rather go on 3 balcony cruises than do 1 haven (give or take..).  However, in General, MSC has always been tempting to try.  I have not heard good things above food and just the people on the ship, being a little rude in general.  Thought's?  Thank you!

Two Wheels Only

I've done both Haven and Yacht Club on several occasions. Whether NCL or MSC, the ship choice can make a big difference. 

There are some things that NCL Haven does better. 

There are some things that MSC Yacht Club does better. 

Neither is perfect. 

Generally, MSC butlers have been better but I've never had a bad butler on either line. I'd give the NCL concierges a better grade than the MSC concierges. Haven concierges seem to have a bit more influence over other parts of the ship in order to get things done for the Haven guests vs. what Yacht Club concierges can get done. 

1 hour ago, Dr. Cocktail said: The dealbreaker for us on Divina and Seaside was simply the total lack of shade on the YC decks. No overhangs, no umbrellas - nothing. Like a blast furnace but hotter.   I think that the Meraviglia class ships have a louvered glass covering on their sundecks.

Again, ship choice makes a difference. I haven't sailed Divina but I have sailed Seaside, Seashore and Meraviglia. There is shade on all three (Seaside eventually learned to put loungers in the shaded area) but we also had a cabana/pergola every time. The buffet/food options and bar service right on the sundeck give MSC the advantage over NCL. The option to cover the pool in bad weather on most BA/BA Plus Haven ships is an advantage for NCL. Some people like the " indoor " feel of the Haven pool (except for Getaway) and some people like the view of the ocean from the Yacht Club pool. Yacht Club pools tend to be deeper (more than 6ft) but that also depends on the ship. 

Included Spa access, wi-fi,  and included drink package is a Yacht Club advantage but with NCL promos and options, Haven guests can basically get the same things. 

Stateroom options are more abundant on NCL. It is very rare to have 2 bathrooms even with MSC's largest suites. A DOS or Garden Villa on NCL is larger/more impressive than an Owner's Suite or Royal Suite on MSC but NCL will cost much more. A whirlpool on the balcony (looking at you, Prima 😠 ) is less expensive with MSC Yacht Club options. 

Pricing is always part luck, part skill. When prices go up and down like a roller coaster, some people will hop on when the price is low. Some will be shocked when the price is high. I'm one of the people who gets low prices more often than not. One of the Royal Suites that I booked on MSC was only $200 more than what some people paid for a Deluxe Suite on the same cruise. One Haven aft-facing suite that I had was almost $4,000 less than what some other people paid for the same class of suite and their balcony was smaller than mine. These weren't last minute deals. These were cruises that were booked far in advance before prices increased. 

I enjoy both Haven and Yacht Club and I prefer that they aren't the same. 

2 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said: So....here's my 2 cents. DH always said "the day he'd need a butler would be the day he couldn't do things for himself". Life happened and he's recovering (very well I may add) from major surgury....but balance has been an issue. I didn't want him to stand on long lines or carry his plate in the buffet....so I checked the YCI on Meraviglia.  It was a few dollars less for 8 days than a 7 day "sail away balcony guarantee" on NCL Getaway for the same week. To me, worth the price if only to avoid "standing, walking, waiting issues".  The bar, the spa, the dining, the butler.....all bonuses. I think that Ocean Cay as a YC passenger will far surpasses NCL's GSC, where you have to tendar even if you're in the Haven. I've checked Haven prices....and although I can afford it....it just isn't "cost effective".

I feel the same as you, we could book Haven, but rather not.  We upgrade and paid to do Haven for first time this year it was great.  I love all the upgraded amenities, but honestly we never really "used" our butler.   I couldn't tell from your comment if you have actually been on MSC? Wasn't sure how you compared it overall to Norwegian. 

15 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said: I've done both Haven and Yacht Club on several occasions. Whether NCL or MSC, the ship choice can make a big difference.    There are some things that NCL Haven does better.  There are some things that MSC Yacht Club does better.  Neither is perfect.    Generally, MSC butlers have been better but I've never had a bad butler on either line. I'd give the NCL concierges a better grade than the MSC concierges. Haven concierges seem to have a bit more influence over other parts of the ship in order to get things done for the Haven guests vs. what Yacht Club concierges can get done.        Again, ship choice makes a difference. I haven't sailed Divina but I have sailed Seaside, Seashore and Meraviglia. There is shade on all three (Seaside eventually learned to put loungers in the shaded area) but we also had a cabana/pergola every time. The buffet/food options and bar service right on the sundeck give MSC the advantage over NCL. The option to cover the pool in bad weather on most BA/BA Plus Haven ships is an advantage for NCL. Some people like the " indoor " feel of the Haven pool (except for Getaway) and some people like the view of the ocean from the Yacht Club pool. Yacht Club pools tend to be deeper (more than 6ft) but that also depends on the ship.    Included Spa access, wi-fi,  and included drink package is a Yacht Club advantage but with NCL promos and options, Haven guests can basically get the same things.    Stateroom options are more abundant on NCL. It is very rare to have 2 bathrooms even with MSC's largest suites. A DOS or Garden Villa on NCL is larger/more impressive than an Owner's Suite or Royal Suite on MSC but NCL will cost much more. A whirlpool on the balcony (looking at you, Prima 😠 ) is less expensive with MSC Yacht Club options.    Pricing is always part luck, part skill. When prices go up and down like a roller coaster, some people will hop on when the price is low. Some will be shocked when the price is high. I'm one of the people who gets low prices more often than not. One of the Royal Suites that I booked on MSC was only $200 more than what some people paid for a Deluxe Suite on the same cruise. One Haven aft-facing suite that I had was almost $4,000 less than what some other people paid for the same class of suite and their balcony was smaller than mine. These weren't last minute deals. These were cruises that were booked far in advance before prices increased.    I enjoy both Haven and Yacht Club and I prefer that they aren't the same. 

Another question for you.  You are just like me, I am always looking and hunting for deals.  Do you just check them manually yourself.  Or do you use any website? cr.. fish..  I've always thought about even making some scripts to check price and even email myself for drops. Edit - Didn't realize cru fish doesnt exit anymore but i found another one.

5 minutes ago, NyYankees2k3 said: I feel the same as you, we could book Haven, but rather not.  We upgrade and paid to do Haven for first time this year it was great.  I love all the upgraded amenities, but honestly we never really "used" our butler.   I couldn't tell from your comment if you have actually been on MSC? Wasn't sure how you compared it overall to Norwegian. 

I've been on MSC twice....with the general population and I loved it.  We're doing YC this time because of what I said about my husband.  But, when I saw it was cheaper to do YC than NCL "balcony guarantee"...booking MSC was a "no brainer".

I'm platinum on NCL....been in every kind of cabin they have, except Haven.  And the prices have gone wild!

We are really low key people...."buffet people"....because as a general rule, I've never cared for MDR food.  I even skip the specialty restaurants we're entitle to....because I like the NCL buffet so much.

My last cruise on MSC was a 7 day pizza party!  I did not like the buffet or the MDR.  But you can't beat the pizza (I'm a pizza snob).  I'm hoping to like YC food...but if not, there's pizza delivery.

8 minutes ago, NyYankees2k3 said: Another question for you.  You are just like me, I am always looking and hunting for deals.  Do you just check them manually yourself.  Or do you use any website? cr.. fish..  I've always thought about even making some scripts to check price and even email myself for drops. Edit - Didn't realize cru fish doesnt exit anymore but i found another one.

I use their website and that plum one.  I actually booked this thru a TA....and got a 14% discount from the MSC website price. (When I compared prices it was without any discounts or certificates).

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More and More Mainstream Cruise Ships Offer Private Luxury Enclaves: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Them

The names certainly sound luxurious — The Haven, The Retreat, The Yacht Club, The Signature Collection, and Royal Suite Class — but what exactly do these “ship within a ship” luxury enclaves on mainstream cruise ships offer? Guests who book a pricier stateroom or suite in one of these exclusive areas on board a Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC, Princess, or Royal Caribbean megaship will enjoy added perks, such as access to a private lounge, restaurant, pool, and sundeck, but will they also get enhanced service or included freebies and discounts? 

For those unfamiliar with the concept, MSC and Norwegian are generally co-credited with pioneering this high-end ship-within-a-ship area. MSC introduced The Yacht Club in 2008, and while NCL didn’t formally debut The Haven until 2011, the cruise line did offer a suite area with a private pool as early as 2005 on Norwegian Jewel . As the concept evolved, so have the inclusions, which vary by cruise line. That’s why it’s worth comparing the suite areas of the five well-known mainstream and premium cruise brands that offer them. 

If you love a big-ship experience, but you’re willing to pay extra to escape the crowds, here’s a look at these higher-end enclaves, both in terms of their onboard real estate and what you’ll actually get when you splurge on them. 

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Available on: Eight ships: Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway , and Norwegian Epic . NCL’s four Jewel-class ships — Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel , and Norwegian Pearl — feature The Haven category suites and The Haven Courtyard without the exclusive lounge and restaurant.

The Space: The Haven is spread out over multiple decks. It is located forward on Jewel, Epic, Breakaway, and Breakaway Plus ships and aft on Prima-class ships and accessible via a special Haven keycard. Prima-class ships, which are the only vessels with accommodations, a lounge, a restaurant, and a pool deck that are entirely self-contained, also feature a private Haven elevator. The décor in Prima and Viva’s Haven spaces is also distinctive, with a sophisticated contemporary European design by Italy-based Lissoni & Partners that differentiates it from the rest of the ship.

Exclusive Areas: Guests of the eight ships that offer the full Haven experience have exclusive access to The Haven Lounge, a space designed for socializing over cocktails, as well as The Haven Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Epic, Breakaway, and Breakaway Plus ships, they can also enjoy The Haven Courtyard, an enclosed pool and hot tub area with comfy loungers, while on Prima-class ships there is a two-level The Haven Sundeck featuring an aft infinity pool. (Caveat: Parents cruising with children should know that The Haven Sundeck on Prima-class ships can only be enjoyed by guests who are age 16 and older.) On Jewel-class ships, which only feature the Haven Courtyard pool area, private breakfast and lunch (but not dinner) are available to Haven guests in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.

Stateroom/Suite Options: The Haven features from 18 to 105 staterooms and suites, depending on the ship (Jewel-class ships have the fewest and Prima-class ships the most). There are eight classes of accommodation, ranging from 368 square feet to 6,694 square feet (the latter is the Three-Bedroom Garden Villa on Jewel-class ships that sleeps eight). Among the nine ships that offer the full Haven area, all feature The Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony (approximately 1,460 to 1,750 square feet with two bedrooms), The Haven Two-Bedroom Family Villa (approximately 600-to-660 square feet with two bedrooms), and The Haven Penthouse Suite (approximately 340-to-420 square feet).

Included Amenities : All guests booked in The Haven enjoy 24-hour butler service; concierge service for booking dining, entertainment, shore excursions, etc.; a personal escort on and off the ship at embarkation, disembarkation, and during port calls; complimentary in-suite movies; priority reservations for restaurants and entertainment; a cocktail party with the ship’s officers; 24-hour room service menu, plus specialty dining delivery (cover charges apply); and a bottle of sparkling wine upon embarkation. Guests who book an Owner’s Suite or Garden Villa get a bottle of Moet Champagne upon embarkation, plus a custom liquor selection (one bottle for a cruise of up to six days, three bottles for a cruise of seven days or longer), two bottles each of spring and sparkling water daily, and six canned sodas daily. 

Not included : Beverage package, Wi-Fi package, and crew gratuities.

The Retreat 

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

Available on: 13 ships: Celebrity Ascent , Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity , and Celebrity Constellation . However, only Celebrity’s four Edge-class ships ( Edge, Apex, Beyond , and Ascent ) and its four “Revolutionized” older ships ( Equinox, Silhouette, Summit , and Millennium ) feature the full gamut of spaces/amenities. Solstice, Eclipse, Reflection , and Constellation do not have The Retreat Sundeck or The Retreat Lounge. Retreat guests can, however, exclusively access Michael’s Club on non-Revolutionized ships. Infinity’s Michael’s Club was just transformed into The Retreat Lounge, although the ship still lacks The Retreat Sundeck.

The Space: Celebrity describes The Retreat as an amenity rather than a place — and that’s apropos since Retreat accommodations are located throughout its ships and not all ships have the same exclusive spaces. The enclave concept is most refined on the new Edge-class ships,  where the three main areas exclusive to Retreat guests are all located forward on decks 15, 16, and 17, as are many of the largest Retreat Suites. These spaces were all designed by Kelly Hoppen and have an eye-catching, contemporary ambience.

Exclusive Areas: All Celebrity ships now feature Luminae, the private restaurant just for Retreat guests. As noted above, all ships with the exception of Solstice, Eclipse, Reflection, Infinity , and Constellation , also feature The Retreat Sundeck, a private area with a pool, hot tubs, and a bar, and all but Solstice, Eclipse, Reflection , and Constellation feature The Retreat Lounge. 

Stateroom/Suite Options: The number of Retreat suites varies by ship, ranging from 62 on older Millennium-class ships to 204 on the newest Edge-class ships. There are 10 suite categories, ranging from 254-to-362-square-foot Sky Suites to 1,892-square-foot Iconic Suites (available on Edge-class ships). Popular categories are Penthouse Suites (1,291 to 1,432 square feet), Celebrity Suites (460 square feet), and Royal Suites (562 to 687 square feet). Guests who don’t need lots of space can opt for an Aqua Sky Suite (254 to 319 square feet), which in addition to Retreat amenities also includes access to AquaClass wellness-oriented spaces such as the thermal suite (SEA on Edge-class vessels and Persian Garden on Millennium- and Solstice-class ships) as well as clean-cuisine dining at Blu restaurant.

Included Amenities: Retreat guests all receive a complimentary Premium Drinks package and complimentary Premium Wi-Fi. In addition, The Retreat has a dedicated pre-cruise and onboard concierge as well as a special team of attendants and butlers. Guests also enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and tendering (when available in port), as well as reserved theater seating on Evening Chic nights, preferred seating in specialty restaurants for select guests, and 24-hour complimentary in-suite dining. Other extras include a welcome bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine and fresh fruit, the latter upon request.

Not included: Crew gratuities

The Yacht Cub 

Cruise Line: MSC Cruises

Available on: 14 ships: MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Presziosa, MSC Seascape, MCS Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC World Europa (and, coming in 2025, MSC World America ).

The Space: MSC Yacht Club truly is a self-contained “ship-within-a-ship” luxury suite enclave that is definitely a step up in terms of service and amenities from the line’s traditional, value-focused accommodations. On ships as large as MSC’s (its newest ships, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa , accommodate as many as 6,300 and 6,700 guests, respectively) the only way to enjoy a bit of privacy and escape the crowds and the lines for dining is to book a stateroom or suite in the elevated MSC Yacht Club sanctuary.

Exclusive Areas : All MSC Yacht Clubs are located forward on the ships’ upper decks and feature the following: The Yacht Club Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no reservation required; the Top Sail Lounge offering panoramic views, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music; and the Private Solarium, featuring dipping pools, hot tubs, and a sun deck. Guests who book itineraries that call on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas also have exclusive access to Ocean House Beach, which has cabanas and complimentary amenities.

Stateroom/Suite Options: The number of staterooms and suites in the Yacht Club varies by ship class. There are 71 on Fantasia-class ships (MSC Fantasia, MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa , and MSC Splendida ); 86 on Seaside-class ships ( MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview ); 94 on Meraviglia-class ships ( MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Splendida , and MSC Euribia ); 131 on Seaside EVO-class ships ( MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape ); and 152 on World-class ships ( World Europa ). Accommodations are referred to as “suites” but also include some standard stateroom configurations — even snug and windowless 161-square-foot Interior Suites for value-focused travelers. Larger options include 269-to-463-square-foot Deluxe Grand Suites, 667-square-foot Royal Suites, and 1,600-square-foot Owner’s Suites with a private whirlpool on its balcony (available on World-class vessels). 

Included Amenities: Guests who book MSC Yacht Club receive a Premium Beverage Package; Premium Wi-Fi Package; complimentary access to the Aurea Spa’s Thermal Suite; a 24-hour butler, concierge, and room service; and priority embarkation and disembarkation. 

The Signature Collection

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Available on: One ship: Sun Princess , which debuted in late February 2024 (and soon on 2025’s Star Princess ).

The Space: Princess has lagged behind its mainstream competitors when it comes to suite accommodations. It only added top-tier suites in 2019 with the debut of the Sky Suite on Sky Princess and the two Royal-class ships ( Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess ) introduced since then. On Sun Princess , the first vessel in the cruise line’s Sphere class, there is finally a substantial number of suites — 50 in all — along with dedicated spaces exclusive to suite guests. However, unlike on several other cruise lines, these spaces are not entirely located within a specified complex, although they do require a Signature Collection keycard to access.

Exclusive Areas: These three areas are each a first for Princess: The Signature Restaurant, located on deck 7 off of the bustling central Piazza and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; The Signature Lounge, located aft on decks 15 and 16, which is actually near the Signature suites on decks 15, 16, and 17 but isn’t as spacious as you’d expect for a gathering spot servicing 50 suites; the Signature Sun Deck, also located aft just above the Signature suites within the extra-cost, adults-only Sanctuary space with which it shares a pool and hot tub.

Stateroom/Suite Options : Signature Collection accommodations range from a 304-square-foot Signature Penthouse Suite to a 1,262-square-foot Signature Sky Suite (balcony included in both totals). Note: Signature suites, while all located aft on decks 15 to 17, are not separated from the rest of the accommodations on those decks by a door requiring key card access as many ship-within-a-ship suite enclaves are. 

Included Amenities: Signature Collection Suites include the following: one complimentary mini-bar setup and free daily bottled water, complimentary dining at a specialty restaurant on the first night, priority reservations for restaurants and shore excursions, and complimentary laundry and professional cleaning. The Signature Sky Suite’s amenities include a pre-cruise concierge, curb-to-suite embarkation, a Suite Experience Manager, premium Champagne upon arrival and two full-bottle bar setups, complimentary Princess Fine Wine Tasting, complimentary Ultimate Balcony Breakfast and Dinner, and a reserved Princess Cays Bungalow (if your ship stops there). 

Not included: Beverage package, Wi-Fi package, and crew gratuities. 

Royal Class Suite

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Available on: 12 ships: Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas .

The Space: Like its sister cruise line Celebrity, Royal Caribbean’s suite experience hasn’t always been a self-contained area, but rather focuses on offering more spacious accommodations (with top suites such as multi-level lofts and townhouses) and exclusive amenities and experiences. However, the cruise line’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas — which also has the distinction of being the largest cruise ship in the world, able to accommodate as many as 7,600 guests at capacity — does come pretty close to offering an actual enclave with its The Suite Neighborhood. Located forward on decks 16 to 19, where many but not all of the ship’s 179 suites are located (some are at the very back of the ship), it features a two-level Grove sundeck with a private pool and hot tub as well as the casual Grove restaurant and the Coastal Kitchen restaurant. The area also features the Suite Lounge, which overlooks the AquaDome performance space.

Exclusive Areas : All Royal Suite Class guests on the 12 ships that feature it have exclusive access to a private restaurant for dinner called Coastal Kitchen (reservations required). Additionally, most have access to the Suite Lounge (which serves complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening) and the Suite Sun Deck.

Stateroom/Suite Options : Royal Suite Class encompasses a whopping 37 accommodation options across 12 ships — from 287-to-330-square-foot Junior Suites in the most basic Sea class (see below for details) to 1,524-to-1,640-square-foot Royal Loft Suites and the 2,523-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse (on Icon the Seas) in the amenity-laden Star class. Only those who book in the two top tiers have access to the Suite Lounge and the Suite Sun Deck.

Included Amenities : The Royal Suite Class is offered in three tiers, with suite size and amenities varying by tier. In the lowest tier, Sea, guests enjoy priority boarding and dinner at Coastal Kitchen (based on availability). In the Sky tier, guests are entitled to all-day access to Coastal Kitchen, VOOM Wi-Fi, flexible arrival boarding and arrival departure, Suite Lounge access with daily evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Suite Sun Deck access, concierge service, priority dining reservations, and reserved seating in select entertainment venues. Guests booking one of the top suites in the Star tier receive everything in the Sky tier plus Royal Genie butler service, dining at specialty restaurants, a Deluxe Beverage Package, included gratuities, expedited boarding and departure, and laundry and pressing service.

Not included: Beverage package, Wi-Fi package, and crew gratuities in Sea tier; beverage package and crew gratuities in Sky tier.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Viking Polaris cruise ship review: A comfortable ship for adventurous cruising

Editor's Note

Viking Polaris is the ship that bucket list dreams are made of.

The sturdy, 378-passenger ship in the Viking fleet is rated Polar Class 6, so it can take you to the ends of the Earth, no problem. It's tricked out with Zodiacs, two submersibles, kayaks and a speed boat, so remote islands and narrow bays won't keep you from close encounters with wildlife and nature.

Checking off worldwide wish-list destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Great Lakes also comes with style. The ship boasts four onboard restaurants and a breathtaking spa that's open to all. Cabins are cozy and spacious with seating nooks by floor-to-ceiling windows, large (for a ship) bathrooms with heated floors and thoughtful touches for the perfect adventure, like a drying closet and two sets of binoculars.

Public lounge areas are so inviting, with comfortable seating and light-filled spaces thanks to tons of windows, that you'll be glad to kick back with a book, a puzzle or a drink after an incredible experience ashore. And the crew members do all they can to make you feel right at home, remembering your name and greeting you warmly whenever they see you.

Viking might be inspired by Nordic sailors of yore, who explored the world in their bare-bones longships — or the rugged 20th-century explorers whose portraits line the walls of the ship — but Viking Polaris' creature comforts would make all those hardy men and women rethink their travel choices. You won't regret yours if you choose to make this gorgeous little ship your home base for vacation adventure.

Overview of Viking Polaris

At 30,158 tons, Viking Polaris is small by ocean ship standards. The biggest megaships are eight times larger. But it's actually the largest vessel in the adventure-focused subset of ocean ships known as expedition ships , and it holds an unusually large number of passengers for such a vessel: 378 spread across 189 cabins and suites.

This means that while you'll enjoy the intimacy and personalized service of a small ship when you're on board, not to mention the additional onboard venues the extra space allows, you will need to wait your turn when going ashore in some destinations such as Antarctica, where only 100 people are allowed onshore at each landing site at a time.

In addition, the ship is for adults only; you must be 18 years or older to sail. Not that you should expect a bunch of partying 20-somethings on board. Viking caters to a 55+ crowd, and the majority of its guests are retirees in their 60s and 70s. The cruise line also has a huge fan club. More than half the guests on my Antarctica cruise were repeat passengers who adore Viking's ocean and river cruises, and you'll find that to be true on most sailings.

Related: Viking Explorer Society cruise loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Viking positions its expedition vessels between the over-the-top, completely all-inclusive luxury ships that go to off-the-beaten-path places such as Antarctica and the hardier, no-frills classic expedition ships. It focuses on a comfortable onboard environment with accessible adventure options.

The ship is upscale, but not ornate or stuffy, and its public spaces are inviting rather than impressive. Think of the ship as the living room designed by your friend with good taste instead of the formal sitting area where you're afraid to touch the expensive decorations.

Many amenities are included in the fare — Wi-Fi; all dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner; a gorgeous thermal suite with a pool and hot and cold therapies; kayak and special operations boat tours; two-layer jackets to keep; and boots and waterproof pants to borrow in polar cruise regions — but you will still need to pay extra for cocktails (either a la carte or with a beverage package), gratuities, spa treatments and submarine rides.

Of the 250-plus crew members on board, 20-plus are expedition staff: scientists, specialists (biologists, geologists, naturalists, etc.), mountain guides and kayak guides. They are on board to scout and set up landing sites, lead kayak tours, conduct science experiments from the ship, spot wildlife, and give lectures about the flora, fauna and geography of the area. They're generally helpful individuals, happy to answer your questions and take photos of both guests and wildlife to share.

The ship has seven passenger decks, with the lowest, Deck A, the Zodiac and special operations boat loading zone, and the highest, Deck 6, being an open deck. (The highest Deck 7 is off limits except during the weather balloon release party.) The ship is small and it doesn't take long to get anywhere, though it does take a few days to get the hang of where things are on board and how to get from point A to point B. Unlike on many ocean cruise ships, you might need to walk down passenger corridors to reach certain lounges.

The ship is unusual in that it has an operational science lab on board where the ship's research scientists collect data to share with its global partners (such as NOAA and the University of Western Australia). In addition to the Zodiacs and kayaks common on expedition ships, Viking Polaris also carries two six-passenger yellow submersibles (playfully named George and Ringo — get it?) and a Special Operations Boat (a 12-seater speed boat with surprisingly comfortable seats and easy boarding).

All these vessels are stored in The Hangar, a water-level storage area that speeds up the deployment time of all the ship's watercraft. Here, too, the cruise line has created a spacious and comfortable boarding area that functions without gangways and with the latest biosecurity technology, such as a boot washing machine. The setup makes it easier to both get on and off ships and keep Antarctica clean.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

What I loved about Viking Polaris

The nordic spa.

You don't expect a full-blown gorgeous spa when you're adventuring to Antarctica, but Viking Polaris provides not only a beautiful facility but also one that brings the destination in. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon and thermal suite area allow you to watch for whales or seals as you enjoy a pedicure or soak in a hot tub.

Even better, the thermal suite is free for anyone to use, so if you get chilled on a wet kayak ride, you can warm up again in the heated pool or pamper tired muscles with a mix of hot and cold therapies. (If you've never dumped a bucket of cold water on your head after 15 minutes in a dry sauna or rubbed snow on your body in a steam room, I highly recommend trying it.)

The two-room fitness center is also larger than I expected for an expedition ship and enabled me to keep up my workout routine every morning.

Big kudos go to the spa staff, who are super sweet and helpful. Igor tailored my personal training session to my specific requirements and body needs, rather than giving me some standard plan. Joksim led a surprisingly intense (for a cruise ship) yoga session and then gave me an incredible massage a few days later, working out every knot from my neck to my feet.

If nothing else, stop by the spa reception desk daily to grab an inspirational quote — almost like a fortune cookie — from the bowl of colored cards. It will set the tone for your day.

Safety protocols

I admit I was a tad nervous about the thought of sailing to a place as remote as Antarctica. What if we got stranded ashore during a landing? What if the Zodiac broke down halfway back to the ship?

While any expedition cruise involves a certain degree of risk, the Viking crew members put me at ease with the knowledge that they've prepared for every possibility. Two of the expedition guides even led a briefing about the ship's safety protocols. We learned that the team brings ashore a ton of survival gear at every landing, including tents, thermal blankets, food and water rations, a desalination machine, a satellite phone, crevasse extraction equipment and even a portable toilet. (The latter is only used for true emergencies, so use your cabin bathroom before you head off the ship.)

Zodiac, SOB and submarine drivers are always in radio contact with each other and the ship, and they stay far away from marine animals and icebergs (which could potentially tip over and cause trouble). The crew gives guests clear instructions about how to get in and out of the ship's boats and someone is always there to give a hand.

All cruise ships in Antarctica follow the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators' rules for safe and environmentally responsible tourism. Viking Polaris's crew takes IAATO protocols seriously and works diligently to keep Antarctica pristine.

They sanitize boots going to and from shore, as well as the walking poles they provide, and advise guests against bringing anything unnecessary (snacks, tissues, etc.) to shore so nothing unsanitary ever touches the ground on landings. They even checked and vacuumed all the expedition gear we brought from home, including hats, gloves, goggles and camera bags.

The ship itself is built with all kinds of redundant systems, water-tight doors, and fire-detecting and -fighting equipment. It also carries "ice cubes," large floating boxes filled with group survival gear for up to five days should the ship have to be abandoned.

It's unlikely that something will go wrong on your cruise, but it's comforting to know that the ship and crew are totally prepared for nearly any emergency.

Every cruise line will tell you its crew is the best, but the friendliness and helpfulness of Viking Polaris' crew are palpable from the moment you step on board. Crew members you never met somehow know your name and say hello every time you pass them on board. My cabin stewards always pop out when we walk down the hallway and ask us about our day. They didn't even bat an eye when my travel companion and I had to try on five expedition jacket sizes to find the right fit.

The dining staff goes above and beyond; Santosh asked us what food we liked on the first day, and had our Indian chickpea curry waiting for us the very next day. One member of the dining team not only fetched a specific flavor of ice cream from the galley for my friend but brought her a second bowl the following day without being asked. The restaurant manager personally reached out and sent me a plate of desserts the day I was sick and holed up in my cabin.

Whenever there are a lot of people wildlife watching on the outer decks, a crew member always seems to turn up with cocktails or spiked warm beverages. What seemed like the entire housekeeping team showed up to the cruise's dance party one evening and unabashedly boogied down to get guests on the dance floor.

The expedition team members are always happy to answer questions, take your photo or lend a helping hand, and their lectures are always funny and engaging, even if the topic is dry. I was also impressed at the way they set expectations and rules for the guests in a lighthearted, digestible way without getting preachy or patronizing.

The crew absolutely set the tone for a friendly onboard ambience and it makes the long trip that much more enjoyable.

What I didn't love about Viking Polaris

Lack of announcements.

I've been on enough high-end cruises to know that the nicer ships don't like to pipe announcements into your cabin. However, I'd love a bit more communication from the bridge on Viking Polaris.

We missed the captain's one daily announcement almost every evening because we were inside our room and couldn't hear it. It's only when one of us would say, "Is someone talking in the hallway? Oh, wait, it's the captain!" that we would make a mad dash across the room to open the door to catch the last 15 seconds of whatever he was saying about the weather and the sail ahead.

I'd love a bell or some kind of alert to open our door, even if the announcement itself isn't piped into the room.

I was also surprised to note that Viking crew members almost never make the "whales off the starboard bow" announcements to alert passengers to wildlife viewing opportunities. I was chagrined when I learned that I had missed some active whales because I was attending an indoor briefing and had no idea that anything interesting was happening out of doors.

Schedule feature in the app

I love a good cruise ship app ; it makes navigating a ship and the daily schedule so easy. Viking's app has many useful features, including your ship's deck plans, the daily activity schedule, the ability to make reservations and even a photo download section.

However, I heard the same complaint over and over about one aspect of the app: There is no schedule view that allows you to superimpose your reservations (spa, dinner, landings, boat rides) with the onboard activities.

That might not seem like a big deal, but expedition cruises are surprisingly busy. On any day, I might have scheduled a landing and a kayaking tour, but don't want to miss the science lecture back on the ship. I was constantly flipping back and forth between the two separate schedules, trying to time my bookings correctly.

Other cruise line apps have a "favorite" feature, where you can select the onboard activities you don't want to miss and add them to a personal calendar that also contains your bookings and reservations. I'd love to see Viking add this as a feature to its app.

Viking Polaris cabins and suites

On Viking Polaris, you'll either stay in a balcony cabin or a suite. Regular and deluxe balcony cabins are essentially identical, except that the deluxe version is on decks 3 and 4 and comes with additional priority reservations, while the regular version is on the lower Deck 2.

Lower-category suites (junior suites and penthouses) are also on Deck 4, while the top-tier suites, Explorer Suites and the one Owner's Suite, are on Deck 6.

The ship only has two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant/wheelchair-accessible cabins; both are junior suites on Deck 4.

If you're accustomed to ocean cruising, you'll notice that the balconies on Viking Polaris are not your standard verandah external to the ship. Instead, they are a style employed by many river ships (and some new Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and Atlas Ocean Voyages ships), where the entire external wall of your cabin is made up of two glass window panes. With the touch of a button, the top pane slides down (like a car window) and your room becomes the balcony, with fresh air wafting in. You can even lean on the lip of the bottom pane of glass, or rest your coffee cup on it, as if it were a balcony railing.

Blackout shades can also come down at the touch of a button, but if you just need to block the sun a little, a gauzy curtain can be drawn across manually.

This style of room works well in cold polar regions where you are unlikely to sit out on a balcony for long, but do want to bring in fresh air from time to time or take a photo without a window in the way.

I was a big fan of our 215-square-foot Deluxe Balcony cabin because it felt cozy without being cramped. In Viking style, its design has Scandinavian influences with blond woods, fairly minimalist furnishings and a homey (rather than hotel-like) feel.

My favorite aspect of the cabin was the small L-shaped leather couch, tucked into a corner behind the shelving unit that separates the sleeping area from the sitting/desk area. Instead of feeling like the sitting area is smaller than the ones found on other ships, it becomes an inviting nook where you can curl up with a book while admiring the view. The coffee table comes in handy when you order room service.

The desk/vanity across from it looks like a simple tabletop but has two secrets. One is, the top lifts to reveal a storage area for jewelry and other small items, and two is that its X-shaped legs are useful for removing stuck-on expedition boots (move the chair so you can stick your foot through the top of the X and use it as leverage to pull the tight boot off).

The sitting area is smaller than you might expect because more space is smartly devoted to the dressing area on the other side of your bed. Here, you'll find an L-shaped wardrobe with two hanging racks, two large drawers, two small drawers, a top shelf, two small shelves, a cubby for shoes and the safe. A hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers are provided for your onboard use.

The two sides of the closet open from the middle and can be tricky to pull open. One cruiser reported draping hand towels over the top to keep the doors slightly ajar to make them easier to open with her arthritic fingers.

The wardrobe is spacious, but my travel companion and I brought so much extra gear for our two-week Antarctica cruise (more medicine than I usually bring, long underwear and thick wool socks, etc.) that we maxed out the drawer space in the cabin and would have been happy with an additional drawer or two. For example, I kept all my warm-weather accessories (hats, gloves, goggles, etc.) in a bag on the closet floor because I didn't have a drawer to store them.

Next to the wardrobe is a brilliant addition on Viking's part — a drying closet. Cruisers on Viking Polaris keep all of their Viking-provided outdoor gear (boots, waterproof pants, two-layer jackets) in their cabins. If they, or other items, get wet on outings, you hang them up in the drying closet and push a button to turn on the heat, and they dry out before your next adventure ashore.

Pro tip: Check the drying closet regularly to make sure the heating element is still on. It does turn off eventually, and you'll need to hit the button again if your drenched belongings aren't dry yet.

Other nice touches in the cabin include a carafe of water, a minifridge with complimentary soft drinks refilled daily, a Nespresso coffee machine, a corkscrew, small snacks (bags of nuts and milk chocolate), two pairs of binoculars for use during the cruise and a few books themed to polar exploration. The room's phone is on the desk, as are Quiet Vox headsets for use on tours (these aren't used much in Antarctica).

The twin beds can be pushed together into a king, and the woolen throw blankets at the ends are a nice touch, especially if you want to snuggle on the couch with the window open. The movable nightstands each have one drawer and an outlet with a 110-volt, 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, as well as a wireless charging station. Each side of the bed has a reading light and a bedside light on the leather headboard.

The 55-inch interactive TV is hung on the wall opposite the bed. It has live TV channels, as well as free on-demand movies, a Viking channel to watch lectures and briefings you missed, and information about your cruise, personal schedule and onboard account. You can also make dinner, spa and shore excursion reservations via the TV.

I would have loved a couple of metal hooks on the wall, but you can bring your own because the textured walls are magnetic (but not the wood veneers outside the bathroom).

The bathroom is lovely, both for the spacious shower with a long ledge for storing toiletries or propping up a foot when shaving and for its heated floors (good for warming your toes and also for drying wet gloves). The glass shelves are small, but two generous drawers and shelf space below should accommodate all your toiletries.

Viking provides its own Freya brand of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand cream and body lotion in large 2.7-ounce bottles, as well as 30 SPF sunscreen, two sun-protection lip balms, shower caps, vanity kits and bar soap. In the bathroom, you'll also find a shaver outlet, tissue box, cups and a toothbrush holder.

Related: Viking cruise cabins and suites: A guide to everything you want to know

Viking Polaris restaurants and bars

Viking Polaris is a small ship with a big appetite; it features four distinct dining venues plus room service. Meals at all restaurants on Viking Polaris are included in your cruise fare.

The restaurants are inspired by the cruise line's Norwegian heritage, so you'll find more smoked fish and Scandinavian pastries than you will on most other cruise lines. For a true Norwegian dining experience, you'll want to spend time at Mamsen's, where you can nibble on Norwegian specialties, such as waffles topped with brown cheese and hot dogs on flatbread.

Note that while vegetarian dishes are available at every meal on board, Polaris is definitely a ship that focuses on meat more than vegetables and vegetarian proteins. Gluten-free diners appear to be well taken care of; the bakery even posts a list of all the gluten-free bread products available (including pancakes, waffles and pizza).

On Viking Polaris, beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are complimentary. During special events, such as sailaway on embarkation day, or arrival at Antarctica, the crew might come around with trays of complimentary cocktails. You can choose to purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package if you plan to order more than a drink or two daily, or you can pay for individual drinks a la carte.

Restaurants

On expedition voyages, the World Cafe buffet venue is the most popular eatery. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is appealing for its variety of meal choices and its casual dress code. When you're in and out of cold-weather layers, sometimes you simply don't feel like dressing up for a formal meal.

Breakfast has everything you need to fuel up for the day, from healthy options like a made-to-order omelet station, yogurt, fruit and muesli to more decadent choices like pastries, breakfast bread pudding and pancakes. True to Viking's Nordic tradition, morning options also include a selection of smoked fish, deli meats and cheeses. Waiters will bring you tea, hot chocolate and juice; each table is already set up with coffee.

At lunch, you'll find a selection of hot food, usually including a carving station with a featured protein, a soup, pasta and some kind of fish and vegetarian option. The salad bar has a good selection of fixin's (though it's lacking in protein) plus a few cheeses daily.

Carbo-load at the bakery, where you'll find breads (including soft pretzels), pizza (try the Norwegian goat cheese version), daily hot sandwiches, cookies and other desserts. Don't miss the gelato stations with toppings bar or the made-to-order counter with new dishes daily, such as a fajita bar.

If you don't see what you're looking for, don't hesitate to ask one of the dining staff either behind the buffet counter or walking the seating area. Crew members brought us plain grilled chicken to top a salad, a vegetarian "meatball" when the meatless options were lacking and coconut gelato when it didn't appear at the ice cream bar.

Dinner is a similar affair with hot options, pizza, a made-to-order counter (often a noodle soup), a Caesar salad bar with additional pre-prepared salads and desserts, including a nightly warm option (like peach crumble or bread pudding) and Coldstone-style mix-in ice cream rolls. The main addition is a nightly sushi bar and seafood buffet (lots and lots of crab legs) in the back by the Aquavit Terrace on the port side of the ship.

I loved that if you're lingering over a meal toward the end of service, a waiter will come by and alert you that the buffet is closing, so you can grab seconds or dessert before it's too late.

On the far starboard side of the World Cafe is the Grill. It serves sandwiches by day (multiple types of burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and tuna steak) and cooked-to-order meats at night (steak, brisket, burgers, swordfish). You can ask for sides from onion rings and French fries at lunch to roasted potatoes and asparagus at night, or forage for accompaniments from the rest of the buffet.

We spoke to a few diners who said the default is to cook the meats well, so if you prefer yours medium or rare, be very clear about that.

Viking Polaris' two sit-down restaurants are The Restaurant and Manfredi's, both on Deck 1 and only open for dinner. The Restaurant is a typical cruise ship main dining room with a menu split into always-available classics and the daily dinner menu that changes each evening. It's a three-course meal (though you could order more) with starters, mains with sides and dessert.

The daily menu might include leek and potato soup or beef tartare as a starter, seared sesame-crusted tuna or roasted veal medallion for a main, and peanut butter cheesecake for dessert. Note that many of the menu items at The Restaurant will also be available at the World Cafe upstairs.

Always-available dishes include Caesar salad and chicken soup, beer-marinated chicken and New York strip steak, an iced vanilla parfait and a cheese plate.

Manfredi's is the ship's Italian restaurant and the hottest dinner reservation on board. It's less accommodating of walk-ins so make your bookings early. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, you'll want to do it here.

The menu is divided into many sections and can be overwhelming at first, but it's not as complicated as it looks. Starters include antipasti, caprese salad, beef carpaccio and asparagus topped with a poached egg. You also have a choice of two soups. The pasta selection is not to be missed, especially the gnocchi in a gorgonzola cream sauce. You can ask for half or full sizes and enjoy the handmade pasta as a starter or main.

Main dishes come in two varieties. Piatti unici come as complete dinners with a protein and vegetable side, while secondi piatti are only the protein and you choose your sides. For example, I ordered the sliced grilled duck breast and it came plated with a salad, but if I'd ordered the Florentine steak or grilled tuna, I would want to also order some sauteed mushrooms or new potatoes with truffles and rosemary.

Don't worry — you can order sides even if you choose a pasta or pre-assembled dish as your main.

Desserts include tiramisu, panna cotta and pistachio cake, as well as a selection of gelato. I'd recommend the pistachio cake with a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Most cruisers can make one reservation at each restaurant prior to the cruise, but suite guests can make two to four pre-cruise reservations per venue, depending on the suite category booked. Anyone can make additional reservations online or try their luck with a walk-in if there's space available. We've heard it's easier to get seats at The Restaurant than at Manfredi's.

If you have a large group, you can reserve the private dining room between The Restaurant and Manfredi's. It seats 12 at one long table and is surrounded by racks housing the ship's wines. It's ideal if you want to have a rowdy group dinner without disturbing other diners, but it's a poor choice if you enjoy the scenery during dinner as the room has no windows.

Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, Mamsen's is a cute cafe serving Norwegian specialties inspired by the recipes of the mother of Viking's founder. The stars of the show here are the Norwegian waffles you can top with sweet brown cheese, berry compote or chocolate sauce, hot dogs served on flatbread, pea soup and open-faced sandwiches.

Viking's expedition ships do not serve a fancy afternoon tea like its ocean ships do, but you can find scones with clotted cream and jam served here in the afternoon.

As a special treat, the dining staff might host a barbecue lunch on the top deck (6) on a day when the weather is sunny. It's a fun, festive alfresco meal, but you won't get much notice and might have to adjust your landing times if you don't want to miss it.

Our barbecue was a meaty affair with chicken wings and pork ribs as an appetizer and a choice of steak or sea bass, with baked potatoes and cole slaw, as a main. We were initially told there was no vegetarian option, but the server came back saying they could get a veggie burger from the grill. If you're looking for something lighter or more vegetable-forward, the World Cafe remains open.

Room service is complimentary and available around the clock. Your room steward will leave you a breakfast card to hang outside on your door knob, for delivery between 6 and 10 a.m. Choices include beverages, fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries and bread, cold cuts and cheeses, eggs, pancakes and breakfast meat.

The all-day menu is in a leather binder on your cabin's coffee table. It's a limited menu, which includes salads, soups, mains (steak, poached salmon, southern fried chicken), sandwiches (caprese, beef or veggie burger), spaghetti, a cheese plate and dessert (vanilla cheesecake or bourbon pecan brownie). You can call your order in on your in-room phone.

Everyone agrees that the fried chicken and the chicken noodle soup from the room service menu are not to be missed.

I'm not much of a drinker, but the bars and lounges on Viking Polaris are so comfy and inviting that I found myself looking forward to a pre-dinner cocktail or evening hangout in one of the ship's bars more than I do on other cruise lines. Viking guests can either purchase drinks a la carte or buy the Silver Spirits beverage package. All passengers can order complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.

The cocktail menus at the bars are composed of standard drinks, but bartenders can make you your favorites off menu if they have the ingredients. We successfully ordered Pimm's Cups and Lemon Drops, but a Dark n Stormy and Moscow Mule were no-go's because the ship does not carry ginger beer. (And here I thought a Dark n Stormy would be a perfect Drake Passage drink!)

My favorite bar for atmosphere is The Hide on Deck 1. It feels like a speak-easy because you can only access it from Deck 2's forward stairwell or elevator.

You open a heavy door that looks like it belongs on a submarine to enter a dimly lit space with slanted windows on either side with views close to the water line. The clusters of couches and easy chairs invite confidences with newfound friends, while the oversized cushion chairs by the windows will tempt you into an afternoon nap, lulled by the rocking of the ship. The large columns at the front of the space actually house the anchor chains.

It also has a speakeasy-style bar, serving liquor-forward drinks (either your favorite liquor straight or on the rocks or with a light mixer, like soda water). You won't find wine, beer or daiquiris here. The small bar is only staffed for a limited time each evening after dinner.

For views, you can't beat the two-deck Explorers' Lounge on decks 4 and 5. Both levels face the front of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound views. When you want to look for whales but don't want to brave the wind, the Explorers' Lounge is a great choice. The bar is on the lower level, but both levels offer cozy seating, both facing the windows and in conversation nooks.

An equally cozy spot is The Living Room on Deck 5. It has a bar but serves more as a comfortable hangout space with a library, digital game tables, puzzles and a large TV showing Viking channels.

As is common on this ship, glass windows run the length of both sides of the space so you're never far from the scenic views. Events like team trivia take place here. The Living Room's bar opens early, should you be looking for coffee drinks from an espresso machine, and closes mid-evening.

The Aquavit Bar between the World Cafe and Aquavit Terrace serves diners at the buffet restaurant, as well as guests relaxing in the aft solarium space. It closes at the same time that dinner shuts down.

The Viking Bar on Deck 1 is your pre-dinner drink spot when you have a reservation at The Restaurant or Manfredi's. It's only open during dinner hours, from 5:30 (half an hour between the restaurants open) to 9 p.m.

If you need a quick cuppa or to refill your water bottle, self-service coffee/tea/water stations are located around the ship. You'll find them on Deck 2 outside The Aula and outside Expedition Central and in the World Cafe.

Viking Polaris activities and entertainment

As the crew likes to say on Viking Polaris, the ship has no official entertainment staff because the outdoors is providing the main entertainment on an expedition cruise. The ship's Grand Central station for outdoor adventure activities is The Hangar. That is where you will board the ship's Special Operations Boat or Zodiac boats (rigid inflatable motorized rafts) for cruises, landings and to be taken to waiting kayaks and submersibles (named Ringo and George because the subs are yellow).

The Hangar is arranged so it's as easy as possible to board the Zodiacs. No gangways are employed. Instead, you step from an open door onto a step in the Zodiac and then into a boat, with at least two crew members assisting you in and out every time. The Hangar also employs a state-of-the-art boot brushing and sanitizing machine (imagine walking your feet through car wash bristles) to make it easy to clean boots on the way to and from polar landings.

Viking does not schedule polar plunges for safety reasons (both yours and Antarctica's), so you will not cross that activity off your bucket list on a Polaris sailing.

Even though your focus will be on shore and sea excursions, you'll still find plenty to do on board.

Viking puts an emphasis on enrichment and education, and you'll find yourself often in The Aula, the theater based on a famous Norwegian lecture hall. It has a giant video screen that can roll up like a garage door to uncover the huge windows behind it. Warm throw blankets in every row are a cozy touch.

Here, the expedition team will give daily briefings about weather conditions and upcoming landing sites, give talks on the area's wildlife or culture, and show documentaries and videos related to the destination.

Some talks (including an entertaining one on nautical superstitions) are held in the Hide. Arrive early because seats are limited, and latecomers might have to stand in the back or sit on the floor.

The ship also has a science lab, and guests can participate in real experiments and data collection during their voyage. You can find an interactive map and often an expedition team member to talk to at Expedition Central on Deck 2.

But it's not all serious edutainment. A dance party with some complimentary cocktails is held in The Living Room one evening and a music variety show takes place in The Aula.

On the more relaxing side, Viking Polaris has a world-class Nordic Spa with a gorgeous thermal suite. The thermal suite features numerous hot and cold therapies (including a snow room, sauna and a hot tub with an open window to the polar breezes outside), a therapeutic pool and stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It's the perfect place to warm up after a cold Zodiac ride or landing, so it can get crowded in the afternoon.

Book a mani-pedi or style session at the salon, and you'll also be able to take in the views while you're pampered.

Spa treatments have a Nordic twist, but you'll find all the massages, facials and body treatments you could want. Try the Hygge massage in a warm "sand" bed — it's a Viking specialty. My Nordic stone massage was one of the best massages I've ever had, and my masseur, Joksim, knew what my stressed-out body needed and worked out all my knots. Ladies should note that many of Viking's spa therapists are men if that's something that makes you uncomfortable.

The two-room fitness center is small by big-ship standards, but it still manages to fit three treadmills, two elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes, an erg, resistance machines and weight benches with free weights. In the group exercise space, you can take classes, use the yoga and bosu balls on your own, or access a range of digital exercise classes on the large-screen TV.

The gym is most crowded early in the morning before the day's briefings, lectures and expedition activities get going. If you want to work out with the crew, time your workout for prime dinner hours.

The ship has multiple outdoor spots for nature gazing and alfresco relaxation. The Bow on Deck 3 is a great forward-facing spot to look for whales or watch the ship's arrival at a landing area. It's adjacent to the Shelter, a covered spot to take refuge from the wind or rain (and occasionally snag an Irish coffee on a special occasion).

The Finse Terrace on Deck 2 aft, outside The Aula, has two fire pit areas for serious chilling.

The Aquavit Terrace on Deck 5 aft has a warm pool surrounded by lounge chairs and covered by a retractable glass roof. The glass window at the end of the pool opens up, so you can swim out to an uncovered section of the pool. On either side are two outdoor tubs — one hot, one cool. There's nothing better than soaking in a hot tub on a sunny Antarctic day with snow-covered mountains and icebergs all around you.

The promenade on Deck 5 is a lovely place to walk, though you'll have to go down to Deck 4 and back up again at the front of the ship to complete the loop. Deck 6 is an open deck where you can lounge on warmer itineraries or scan for wildlife on cold ones.

If you want to buy gorgeous Norwegian sweaters like the expedition crew wears, adorable penguin beanies and the softest stuffed puppies, visit the Nordic Shop on Deck 3 midship when it's open. It also sells items you might have forgotten, such as toothpaste or hand warmers. The hottest items here are the Antarctica patches you can attach to your Viking-provided jacket. If you want one, come when the shop opens as they can sell out.

Guest services include a medical center on Deck A, a travel consultant (to book your next Viking river, ocean or expedition cruise) on Deck 3 across from the shop and guest services desks on Deck 1 outside Manfredi's.

Guest launderettes on decks 3 and 4 have washers and dryers, irons and ironing boards, and detergent is provided. Be sure to set a timer and remove your items promptly. The launderettes are popular on long cruises.

Viking Polaris itineraries and pricing

Viking Polaris currently spends the North American winter in Antarctica and the summer in the Great Lakes , transitting between the two in the spring and fall. The one-way repositioning voyages take passengers along the coast of Chile, through the Panama Canal, along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and Canada then into the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In 2026, the ship will spend the summer months sailing Iceland and Greenland cruises in the Arctic instead of the Great Lakes.

Viking expedition cruises tend to be long, and many itineraries are combinations of multiple cruises that could be booked separately. Travelers pressed for time can book a seven-night Great Lakes sailing, but the shortest Arctic and Antarctic cruises are at least 12 nights. Many itineraries are two weeks or longer. To sail between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Great Lakes to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America takes just over 60 days.

A 12-night Antarctic Explorer cruise starts at $11,995 per person in the lowest-tier Nordic balcony cabin. A weeklong Great Lakes cruise starts at $5,995 per person. A 12-night Arctic sailing starts at $13,995. Fares go up for more popular sail dates and for larger and higher-category cabins.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Required documents will vary depending on your cruise destination, but you will definitely need a passport.

If you're traveling to Antarctica or the Arctic, you will need a medical form signed by a doctor, clearing you to travel. Submit that at least 30 days prior to sailing. You must also fill out a form pre-cruise to request the correct size of jacket, pants and boots for your expedition.

Viking automatically adds a $17 gratuity per guest, per day, to your onboard bill. It is shared among the room stewards, waiters, galley staff and housekeeping. If you must change the amount, you can do so at Guest Services; you're always welcome to leave additional tips in cash or hand them to your favorite crew members.

I asked, and it is acceptable to tip expedition staff, in addition to waiters, bartenders and room stewards. Spa treatments do not automatically add a gratuity to your bill, but you can leave a tip when you're signing after your treatment.

Wi-Fi is included in the cost of your cruise. Viking uses a VSAT satellite terminal to provide the connection, and it was impressively good. I was able to make several WhatsApp Wi-Fi video calls back home from Antarctica, and though the image wasn't perfect, I could still show my kids penguins swimming off the side of the ship.

Carry-on drinks policy

Viking has a generous alcohol policy. All passengers are allowed to bring alcohol and other beverages on the ship with them, and they won't be charged a corkage fee, regardless of whether they drink their beverage in their room or in a lounge or restaurant.

Smoking policy

Viking Polaris is a nonsmoking ship, and you cannot smoke indoors or on most outdoor decks. The only place you're allowed to smoke cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes is in the designated smoking area outside on the starboard side of Deck 6.

If you're cruising in polar regions, you should also be aware that smoking is not allowed ashore anywhere in Antarctica or in Svalbard in the Arctic.

Viking Polaris has two self-serve launderettes on decks 3 and 4. Each features multiple washers and dryers you can use free of charge; detergent is provided. Irons and ironing boards are also available, but you can only use them in the launderette.

Alternatively, you can send out clothes to be washed and dried, pressed or dry cleaned for a fee. A bag is provided in your room, and you can select regular two-day service or same-day service for a 50% surcharge. Prices are per item, not per bag.

If it's been a while since you've used communal laundry rooms, you will need to dig deep and remember your college laundry etiquette. Set a timer on your cellphone so you can switch your laundry promptly. Fail to do so and another guest is likely to dump your wet laundry onto the ironing board.

We overheard several heated discussions about who had rights to which dryers and when. Don't wait until the last day of your trip to do your washing, as that's when the launderettes are the busiest.

Electrical outlets

Viking Polaris is a 21st-century ship, so you can expect more than just one outlet. Each nightstand features a three-part power strip with a U.S. 110-volt, European 220-volt, USB and USB-C outlet, as well as a wireless charger, should your phone have that capability (mine did not). Note that when you plug a charger into the 110-volt outlet, it blocks the regular USB outlet, but not the USB-C.

The desk area has two 110V and two 220V sockets. There's also a 220V outlet outside the bathroom, should you wish to plug in your own nightlight, and a shaver outlet inside the bathroom.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. You won't be paying for much — mainly souvenirs, drinks and spa treatments. You'll be asked to provide a credit card, and your onboard bill will be charged to that account.

Drinking age

The drinking age on board is 21, regardless of where Viking Polaris is in the world.

Expeditions are casual affairs. You will be so anxious about bringing the correct polar gear that onboard attire is almost an afterthought.

Daytime attire on the ship is a mix of casual outfits based on the weather (jeans, slacks, sneakers, etc.) and adventure attire (leggings, fleece vests or jackets, athletic pants). One guy on our Antarctica sailing was often seen in a tropical shirt and shorts. The spa's changing areas are small, so you'll also see people walking the ship in their bathrobes or workout wear on their way to and from the Nordic Spa.

If you don't want to change for dinner, your casual daywear is appropriate at the World Cafe in the evening. No one will blink if you show up in a fleece jacket and hiking pants or athletic leggings and a top. Only swimwear, PJs and true exercise attire (like a sports bra with bike shorts) would not be acceptable. And, yes, we did witness a guest being ever-so-politely encouraged to leave the World Cafe when he showed up in his bathrobe.

Related: Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

If you wish to dine at The Restaurant or Manfredi's, you are supposed to step it a notch. Viking considers evening dress in the restaurants "elegant casual" — aka, no jeans. The suggested attire is slacks and a collared shirt for men and nice slacks, a skirt or dress for women. However, we saw diners dressed more casually (fleece jackets and jeans) in both restaurants, and no one said a word.

Viking Polaris does not have any formal evenings, so leave your cocktail dresses, suits and neckties at home.

Bottom line

If you want to visit the ends of the earth without giving up creature comforts, Viking Polaris is the perfect ship for you. Its large-for-expedition size means the ship is loaded with attractions, from multiple restaurants and lounges to an expansive spa, spacious cabins and dedicated spaces for enrichment activities. Its state-of-the-art Hangar allows travelers of all abilities to access off-ship adventure and its expedition team to set up water- and land-based activities as quickly as possible.

However, if you want to spend as much time as possible off the ship in polar regions, you might do better, especially in Antarctica, with a ship that carries closer to 100 passengers. The trade-off is that you might have to choose a ship that has fewer frills and amenities than Viking Polaris.

Plus, it's unclear that any expedition ship has a crew as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful as the folks who work aboard Polaris. They make the trip more special than any ship designer or rare penguin could ever do.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Cocktail Menu

By Tinkerbellsparkle , October 4, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Tinkerbellsparkle

Is there such things as NCL cocktail menus? I have struggled with other Cruise Lines, many don't have a printed menu from which you can peruse, and if there is one it is a limited list. You see the bar tender carrying interesting drinks to other tables and wonder what they are as they are not on the list.

I would like to make full use of the free drinks and try lots of different cocktails! 😵 ‍ 💫 🤕 🤣

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There were at least 3 different menus on bars on the epic, but of course not with 100s of drinks. Some bartenders can make a lot of different things though. 

 NCL Beverages - current as of 8/25/2021  5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE - MARGARITAVILLE  1 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE PASSION FRUIT TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.25 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 0.5 OZ GRENADINE AMARETTO SOUR  1.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 0.75 - 1.5 OZ SWEET & SOUR MIX AMERICANO  1.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 1.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 2-3 OZ CLUB SODA ANCHO PANCHO  1.5 OZ TABERNERO PISCO 0.5 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 1 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 0.75 AJI PANCA SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE APEROL SPRITZ  3 ounces prosecco 2 ounces Aperol 1 ounce club soda Garnish: orange slice APPLE BLOSSOM  2 OZ ULTIMAT VODKA 1 OZ PATRON CITRONGE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ APPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE                    AVIATION  1.75 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 1 OZ MARACHINO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ CRÈME DE VIOLETTE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SQUEEZE OF LIME BB C  1.25 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX B-52  0.75 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ GRAND MARNIER LIQUEUR BACARDI MOJITO  1.25 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 2 OZ CLUB SODA 3-5 FRESH LIME WEDGES 6 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP BAHAMA MAMA - MARGARITAVILLE  0.5 OZ BACARDI SELECT RUM 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE COCONUT RUM 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.50 OZ GRENADINE BASIL CUCUMBER TWIST  1.75 OZ BEEFEATER GIN 1 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1 LEAF FRESH BASIL 2 SLICES FRESH CUCUMBER 1.5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE BE A PEACH  1.25 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 EGG WHITE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 0.75 OZ MONIN PEACH SYRUP               BEE CHARMER  1.5 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN (LAVENDER-INFUSED) 0.5 OZ GREEN CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ HONEY SYRUP (1:1) 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE BELLINI  1.5 OZ PEACH PURÉE 4 OZ PROSECCO 0.5 OZ PEACH LIQUEUR BERMUDA TRIANGLE PUNCH  2 oz. GOSLING'S BLACK SEAL RUM 1 oz. PINEAPPLE JUICE 1⁄2 oz. PASSION FRUIT JUICE 1 oz. ORANGE JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS BERRY BASIL JULEP  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S OLD NO 7 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 MUDDLED BLACKBERRIES .05 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 LEAVES FRESH BASIL BLACK MOUNTAIN  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S RYE 0.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ AVERNA LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS BLACK VELVET  EQUAL PARTS GUINNESS STOUT EQUAL PARTS CHAMPAGNE              BLACKBERRY BOURBON SMASH - ON TAP Maltings Whiskey Bar  2 ounces bourbon 1/2 ounce lime juice, or 2 lime wedges, squeezed 6–7 mint leaves, muddled 2–3 blackberries, muddled 3/4 ounce simple syrup (1 tablespoon of sugar will do) 1 ounce club soda cup of ice 2-3 FRESH BLACKBERRIES BLOOD AND SAND  .75 OZ SCOTCH .75 OZ CHERRY HERING LIQUEUR .75 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH .75 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE BLOODY MARY  0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 DASHES HOT SAUCE 2 DASHES WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE PINCH SALT & PEPPER DASH CELERY SALT 2 OZ VODKA 4 OZ TOMATO JUICE BLUE GLACIER  0.5 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey 0.5 oz Vodka 0.5 oz Bacardi Superior Rum .25 oz Triple Sec Liqueur .25 oz Simple Syrup .25 oz Passion Fruit puree 0.5 oz Lemon Juice Dash Blue Curacoa Lemon-lime soda to top Garnish: 1 Lemon Wheel and 1⁄2 Orange Wheel BLUE LAGOON  1 ounce vodka 1 ounce blue curaçao 4 ounces lemonade Garnish: lemon or orange wheel Garnish: maraschino cherry BRUGAL GINGER MOJITO  1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 3-4 FRESH LIME WEDGES 5-6 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 OZ GINGER ALE              BUCCANEER  1.5 OZ BACARDI OAKHEART RUM 1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 3 FRESH MINT LEAVES 2 OZ SODA WATER BUENA VISTA IRISH COFFEE  1 OZ JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY 1 OZ AMERICANO COFFEE 2 OZ HOT WATER 1 SUGAR CUBE 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM BUSH WHACKER  0.25 OZ STOLI VANILLA VODKA 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX TOP WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP CAIPIRINHA  1.25 OZ SAGATIBA CACHAÇA 2.5 TBS BROWN SUGAR 5 FRESH LIME WEDGES CANNONBALL  0.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ SAM ADAMS BOSTON LAGER BEER 1.5 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 1 OZ MONIN PEACH TEA SYRUP 2-4 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS CAPE COD  1.5 OZ VODKA 5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE CAPRIOSKA - Portugal  1 ounce simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar) 1 lime, cut into quarters 2 ounces vodka Garnish: 4 lime quarters               CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL  6 OZ CHAMPAGNE 1 SUGAR CUBE 2-4 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS SPLASH COGNAC VS CIAO VENEZIA  1.5 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 ROSEMARY SPRIG EQUAL TOP WITH SODA WATER CITRUS GEM  2.5 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 2 OZ GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE CLASSIC MOJITO - NCL Cuba - Ernest Hemingway's Favorite  1 oz. of lime juice 2 tbsp. of superfine sugar 5 mint leaves 3 oz. white rum 1.5 oz. club soda COCO CABANA - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE COCONUT RUM 0.75 OZ MIDORI MELON LIQUEUR 3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE COCO MOJITO  1.5 OZ MALIBU COCONUT RUM 2.5 OZ COCONUT WATER 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 DASHES MINT BITTERS COLLINS  1.5 OZ VODKA, GIN OR BOURBON 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH CLUB SODA               COSMOPOLITAN  2.5 OZ KETEL ONE VODKA 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE CUBA LIBRE  1.5 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 4 OZ COLA CUCUMBER SUNRISE  2 cucumber wheels (muddled) 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. Absolut vodka 2 oz. watermelon syrup 2 oz. orange juice 1 cucumber wheel garnish DARK & STORMY  2 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 3 OZ GINGER BEER 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE EASTERN LEGACY  1 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ WHITE PEACH PURÉE 1 OZ SODA WATER EMPEROR’S NECTAR  1.5 OZ MANDARINE NAPOLÉON LIQUEUR 1 OZ APPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ CINNAMON SYRUP 1 OZ GINGER BEER 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE ESPRESSO MARTINI  2 OZ VODKA 1 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 1 OZ ESPRESSO OPTIONAL SIMPLE SYRUP               FEELIN' HOT HOT HOT - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ 1800 REPOSADO TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ MONIN HABANERO LIME SYRUP 2.25 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX FRENCH 75  1 OZ GIN OR COGNAC 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ CHAMPAGNE FRENCH MANHATTAN  2 OZ DEWAR’S SCOTCH 1 OZ CHAMBORD LIQUEUR 3 DASHES BITTERS FRENCH MARTINI  2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) pineapple juice 1⁄2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Chambord or other raspberry liqueur For the garnish: raspberry (optional) FRENCH RASPBERRY  2 OZ RUSSIAN STANDARD VODKA 1 OZ CHAMBORD LIQUEUR 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE FUNKY MONK  0.5 OZ GREEN CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ HENDRICK’S GIN 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUIC GETAWAY  1 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 2 OZ PROSECCO 8-10 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 TSP SUPER FINE SUGAR 0.5 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP               GIMLET  2 OZ GIN OR VODKA 0.75 OZ ROSE'S LIME JUIC GIN FIZZ  1.5 OZ GIN 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1-2 OZ CLUB SODA GOOMBAY SMASH  3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 1.5 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 0.75 OZ BACARDI COCONUT RUM 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR GRASS CLIPPINGS  1.5 OZ 1800 SILVER TEQUILA 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 3 ENGLISH CUCUMBER SLICES 1 LARGE CILANTRO LEAF 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP GRAEEN TEA SHOT  1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey, such as Jameson (15 ml) 1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps (15 ml) 1/2 ounce Sour Mix (15 ml) Splash of Sprite or other lemon-lime soda 2 - 4 ice cubes GUILLOTINE  2 OZ GENTLEMAN JACK BOURBON 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 DASHES MOLE BITTERS COFFEE & ABSINTHE SPRAY GULLY WASH (Also known as Sky Juice)  2 oz. Gin 1.5 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk Coconut Water Garnish: Cherry               GUNNER G&T  1.25 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 2 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE 2 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE HARVEY WALLBANGER  4-5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ GALLIANO LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ VODKA HAVANA OLD FASHIONED  2.0 OZ BACARDI 8 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 2 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS HAVANA’ S & BANANAS - MARGARITAVILLE  0.75 OZ MARGARITAVILLE DARK RUM 0.75 OZ BOLS CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 3 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX HENNESSEY FIZZ  1.25 OZ HENNESSEY COGNAC 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 5 OZ CLUB SODA HIBISCUS MARGARITA  1.5 ounces tequila 1 ounce Hibiscus syrup 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice 0.5 ounce agave nectar Cinnamon sugar rim HONEY LEMONADE  1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 OZ LEMON-LIME SPARKLING SODA 1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE               HOTEL NATIONAL  1.5 OZ DARK RUM 1.0 OZ APRICOT MONIN SYRUP 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE INCOMMUNICADO - MARGARITAVILLE  0.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE 2.0 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 0.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SMIRNOFF VODKA 0.25 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.75 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE JACKHAMMER  1 ounce vodka 1 ounce light rum 1 ounce amaretto 2 ounces orange juice 2 ounces pineapple juice Maraschino cherry, to garnish JALAPEÑO CUCUMBER MOJITO  1.25 OZ ZACAPA AMBAR 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH CUCUMBER JUICE 2 JALAPEÑO RINGS 1 SLICE CUCUMBER TOP WITH CLUB SODA KIR  WHITE WINE 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE CASIS LIQUEUR KISS ON THE LIPS  1.5 oz. peach schnapps 5 oz. frozen mango mix 1 tbsp. grenadine              LA FLORIDITA  1.5 OZ WHITE RUM 0.75 OZ GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 0.5 OZ MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP LAST MANGO - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE MANGO TEQUILA 0.75 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 1 OZ OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRY JUICE LAVA FLOW  1 cup strawberries 1 cup ice 4 ounces light rum 1 banana 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup coconut milk Fresh pineapple, garnish LAVENDAR PATCH  2.5 OZ STOLICHNAYA VODKA 0.75 OZ LAVENDAR SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 5 FRESH MINT LEAVES LE FIZZ  2 OZ TITO’S VODKA 1 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE SPLASH CLUB SODA LEGEND REVIVER - Wade Cleophas from Norwegian Escape award winning cocktail  2 oz BACARDÍ® OCHO (8) ANOS 0.75 oz Star Anise Infused Sweet Vermouth 0.25 oz Caramel/Cinnamon Syrup 3 Drops of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters Mist of Absinthe Garnish: Lemon Peel and Star Anise LEMON DROP MARTINI  2 ounces vodka 1 ounce simple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice about half a lemon. strained to remove seeds and pulp extra lemon for garnish and rimming the glass sugar for garnishing the glass               LICENSE TO CHILL - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 0.75 OZ BOLS BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX LIKE THE SEA AFTER A STORM  1 OZ AMONTILLADO SHERRY 1 OZ PATRÓN REPOSADO TEQUILA 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS LONG ISLAND ICED TEA (LIT)  .75 OZ Gin .75 OZ White rum .75 OZ Silver tequila .75 OZ Vodka .75 OZ Triple sec .75 OZ Simple syrup .75 OZ Fresh lemon juice Cola to top MAI TAI  1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 0.5 OZ MONIN ALMOND SYRUP 1 DASH CINNAMON MANGO MELTDOWN  1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 4 OZ ISLAND OASIS MANGO MIX 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS STRAWBERRY MIX TO FLOAT MANHATTAN  2 OZ WHISKEY 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS MATADOR  1.5 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ ELDERFLOWER SYRUP 3 PCS CANDIED GINGER 3 DASHES BLOOD ORANGE BITTERS SPLASH GINGER ALE               MEXICAN COFFEE  0.5 OZ TEQUILA 0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 1 OZ ESPRESSO 2 OZ HOT WATER 1 SUGAR CUBE 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM MEZCAL NEGRONI  1 OZ MEZCAL 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 1 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR MIMOSA  2 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 4 OZ CHAMPAGNE MINT JULEP  2 SPRIG OF FRESH MINT 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2.5 OZ BOURBON MOJITO - Classic  1.25 oz Bacardi Superior Rum 2 oz club soda 3-5 lime wedges 6 fresh mint leaves 1 oz simple syrup MOJITO - Coco Mojito  1.25 oz Malibu Coconut Rum 2.5 oz coconut water 0.5 oz simple syrup 1 sprig of fresh mint 2-4 dashes mint bitters MOJITO - Pineapple Coconut  1.25 oz Bacardi Coconut Rum 1 oz pineapple puree 0.5 oz simple syrup 3 pieces lime wedges 6 pieces mint leaves               MOJITO - Jalapeño Passion  1.25 oz Zacapa 23 Rum 0.25 oz simple syrup 0.5 oz fresh cucumber juice 2 jalapeño rings 1 slice cucumber MOJITO - RASPBERRY GUAVA  1.25 oz Captain Morgan White Rum 1 oz guava puree 0.5 oz simple syrup 4-6 fresh raspberries 6 pieces fresh mint sprig MOJITO - Spicy Passion  1.25 oz Atlantico Rum 0.25 oz Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur 0.5 oz simple syrup 1 oz passionfruit puree 3 pieces of lime wedges 1 fresh mint sprig MOSCOW MULE  1.5 OZ SKYY VODKA 4 OZ GINGER BEER 3 FRESH LIME WEDGES MR WORLD WIDE  1 OZ VOLI BLACK VODKA 0.5 OZ PIMM’S NO. 1 LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ STRAWBERRY PUREE 1 FRESH BASIL 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH SPARKLING WINE MUDSLIDE  0.75 OZ SKYY VODKA 0.75 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 4 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX NAPA VALLEY V&T  1.25 OZ ABSOLUT CITRON VODKA 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 2 DASHES GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 1 GRAPEFRUIT HALF WHEEL 1 ROSEMARY SPRIG               NEGRONI  1 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 0.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH NORTHERN LIGHTS - Made especially for the NCL Alaskan Cruises  1.5 oz. Gin 0.75 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice 0.75 oz. simple syrup 4 mint leaves Top with lemon-lime soda Garnish: lime wheel, thinly sliced with mandolin, and mint spring OFF TO SEE THE LIZARD - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.75 OZ MIDORI MELON LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX OLD FASHIONED  1-2 SUGAR CUBE 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 2 ORANGE SLICE 2 MARASCHINO CHERRIES SPLASH CLUB SODA 2 OZ BOURBON PAINKILLER  1.75 OZ PUSSER’S DARK RUM 1.5 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE PALOMA  2 OZ CAZADORES BLANCO TEQUILA 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE FILL SAN PELLEGRINO GRAPEFRUIT SODA PAPA DOBLE  3 OZ WHITE RUM 1-1.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ MARSH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 6 DROPS LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR               PERFECT MARGARITA  0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 1 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 OZ FRESH LIME WEDGES SQUEEZED PIMM'S CUP  1.5 OZ PIMM’S NO. 1 LIQUEUR TOP WITH LEMON-LIME SPARKLING SODA PIÑA COLADA  1 OZ WHITE RUM 0.75 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE PINA PICASSO  1.5 OZ CAZADORES BLANCO TEQUILA 0.5 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE PINEAPPLE COCONUT MOJITO  1.25 OZ BACARDI COCONUT RUM 1 OZ PINEAPPLE PURÉE 3 PCS FRESH LIME WEDGES 6 PCS FRESH MINT LEAVES 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP PINEAPPLE RUM CHAMP  1 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM 1 OZ ZACAPA AMBAR 1 OZ CINNAMON SYRUP 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 8 FRESH MINT LEAVES PINEAPPLE UPSIDE- DOWN CAkE MARTINI  1.5 oz. Vanilla or Cake Vodka 2 oz. Pineapple Juice Splash of Grenadine Garnish Mint Sprig or a Cherry               PINK LADY  1.5 OZ GIN 0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1 OZ HEAVY CREAM PISCO SOUR  1.5 OZ TABERNERO PISCO 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ EGG WHITE 3-4 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS POUSSE CAFE  0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.25 OZ CRÈME DE CACAO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ GREEN CRÈME DE MENTHE LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BRANDY PRESBYTERIAN  1.5 OZ BOURBON 2 OZ CLUB SODA 2 OZ GINGER ALE PUMPKIN SPICED  11 OZ GUINNESS STOUT 1.5 OZ MONIN PUMPKIN SPICE 1 EGG WHITE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS RASPBERRY GUAVA MOJITO  1.5 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE RUM 6 FRESH MINT SPRIG 6 FRESH RASPBERRIES 1 OZ GUAVA PURÉE 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP TOP WITH CLUB SODA REBELLIOUS FISH  0.75 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1.0 OZ RUSSIAN STANDARD VODKA 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2 OZ PROSECCO 2 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE               RED LIGHT DISTRICT  1.5 OZ ATLANTICO PLATINO RUM 1 OZ MONIN POMEGRANATE SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SODA WATER 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS RETRIBUTION  1 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ STELLA ARTOIS LAGER BEER RITZ COCKTAIL  0.75 OZ COGNAC VS 0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE SPLASH CHAMPAGNE ROB ROY  2 OZ BLENDED SCOTCH 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH DASH BITTERS RUM SWIZZLE  2 fluid ounces Grenadine 4 fluid ounces Bacardi light Rum 1 fluid ounce lime juice 5 fluid ounces pineapple juice 6 dash Angostura Bitters RUSTY NAIL  1 OZ JOHNNIE WALKER RED 1 OZ DRAMBUIE RYE-THAI  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S RYE 0.5 OZ MONIN ORGEAT SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE               SATURN LANDING  1.5 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 1 OZ MONIN ORGEAT SYRUP 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ VELVET FALERNUM SAZERAC  1 SUGAR CUBE 3 ASHES BITTERS 2 OZ RYE WHISKEY SPLASH ABSINTHE SCREWDRIVER  1.5 OZ VODKA 4-5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE SEABREEZE  1 1/2 ounces vodka 3 ounces cranberry juice 1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice Garnish: lime wheel SENSEI COLLINS  1.5 OZ GIN 1 OZ SENSEI TEA BLEND SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH CLUB SODA SHAKU - SHAKU  1 OZ GEKKEIKAN SAKE 0.5 OZ CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 3 CHUNKS MUDDLED CUCUMBER 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP SHERRY COBBLER  1.5 OZ SHERRY MANZANILLA 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ BERRY PURÉE 1 OZ CHARDONNAY WINE               SIDECAR  1.5 OZ BRANDY HIDALGO RESERVA 12 YO 0.75 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE ORANGE SLICE SUGAR SINGAPORE SLING  0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BENEDICTINE LIQUEUR 3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ GIN 0.5 OZ CHERRY HERING LIQUEUR DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS SMOKED OLD FASHIONED  2 oz. BOURBON 0.5 oz. DOUBLE-STRENGTH DEMERARA SYRUP 6 dashes ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 LARGE SMOKED ICE CUBE SMOKED ORANGE and LEMON PEELS SMOKY MONK  1.5 OZ JOHNNIE WALKER INFUSED WITH BLACK YUNNAN GOLD TEA 0.5 OZ AVERNA LIQUEUR 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS SNOWPLOW - Believe this is only offered on Alaska cruises - Hot Beverage  1 oz Coconut Rum 1 oz Irish Cream 1/2 oz Creme de Cacao 1 dash Cinnamon 8 oz (Hot) Chocolate 1 1/2 oz Whipping Cream SPANISH G&T  1.5 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC SPICY MARGARITA  0.5 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ MONIN HABANERO LIME SYRUP 1.25 OZ TEQUILA 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE               SPICY PASSION MOJITO  1.25 OZ ATLANTICO PLATINO RUM 0.25 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 PCS FRESH LIME WEDGES 1 FRESH MINT SPRIG 1 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE STINGER  1 OZ COGNAC VS 1 OZ WHITE CRÈME DE MENTHE LIQUEUR STRANDED ON A SANDBAR - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE PASSION FRUIT TEQUILA 0.75 OZ BOLS PEACH LIQUEUR 1.75 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE Strawberry Basil Bellissimo  4 strawberries 3 basil leaves Strawberry syrup 2 oz. vodka of choice 2 oz. lime juice STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI  1.5 OZ WHITE RUM 1.0 OZ STRAWBERRY MONIN SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE SMOKED PEACH SPICY MARGARITA  1 peach, sliced into quarters 1 large jalapeño, sliced fresh lime juice 1 tsp agave syrup 2 oz Anejo tequila TEQUILA OLD FASHIONED  2 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS 1 DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS               TEQUILA SUNRISE  1.5 OZ SILVER TEQUILA 4 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ GRENADINE THAI RUM  1.25 OZ MYERS’S ORIGINAL DARK RUM 0.25 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 FRESH BASIL TOP SODA & RUM THE BOSS V&T  4 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1.25 OZ GREY GOOSE VODKA 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 2 ORANGE HALF SLICE 2 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS TIDAL COLADA  1.5 OZ JOSE CUERVO GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MONIN CHIPOTLE PINEAPPLE SYRUP 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS TIE ME UP TIE ME DOWN  1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.75 OZ ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP 2.5 OZ ABSOLUT CITRON VODKA 0.75 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE TODDY  0.5 OZ DARK RUM 0.5 OZ BOURBON 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ HONEY 3-4 OZ HOT TEA OR WATER TORO TORO  1 OZ MONIN CHIPOTLE PINEAPPLE SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1.5 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA               TRANQUIL WATERS - MARGARITAVILLE  1.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 3.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ ISLAND OASIS MANGO MIX TROPICAL PALOMA  1.5 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 4 OZ JARRITOS GRAPEFRUIT SODA UPTOWN MARGARITA - MARGARITAVILLE  0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.25 OZ GRAND MARNIER LIQUEUR FLOAT Up, Up and Away - Norwegian Bliss Head Mixologist Marc McArthur  2 OZ BACARDÍ Ocho Años 1 OZ espresso 0.5 OZ cinnamon syrup 0.33 oz Fernet-Branca® orange twist and coffee beans WASABI COCKTAIL  2 OZ SAKE 1 OZ LYCHEE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ GRENADINE 1 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE WATERMELON MARGARITA - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1.25 OZ FINEST CALL WATERMELON PURÉE 2.5 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX WHISKEY SOUR  1.5 OZ WHISKEY 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.25 OZ, OPTIONAL EGG WHITE               WHITE LADY  1.5 OZ GIN 1 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE WHO’S TO BLAME - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX WIKI RUM PUNCH  0.5 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 1 OZ BACARDI GOLD RUM 0.25 OZ PASSOÃ PASSION FRUIT LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE WOODFORD OLD FASHIONED  2 OZ WOODFORD RESERVE BOURBON 0.25 OZ MAPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 ORANGE SLICE 1 MARASCHINO CHERRIES ZOMBIE  1.5 OZ DARK RUM 0.5 OZ 151 - PROOF DEMERARA RUM 0.25 OZ VELVET FALERNUM 0.5 OZ DONN'S MIX #1 1.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 TSP GRENADINE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 6 DROPS ABSINTHE ZOMBIE BRAIN SHOT  4 part peach schnapps 1 part creme de menthe 2 part Baileys Irish Cream 1 part grenadine           ZOMBIE - MARGARITAVILLE     1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ BOLS APRICOT BRANDY LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.25 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 1.25 OZ HOUSE-MADE SWEET AND SOUR    Non-Alcoholic  Most of the above drinks can be ordered as Virgin drink. Always worth asking.  CARROT GINGERIZER N/A  1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 6 OZ CARROT JUICE 1 OZ CLUB SODA COCONUT PINEAPPLE SNOW N/A  0.5 OZ MONIN COCONUT SYRUP 0.5 OZ MONIN PINEAPPLE SYRUP 6 OZ COCONUT MILK 1 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK CUCUMBER TEA N/A  2 OZ MONIN CUCUMBER SYRUP 3 OZ CHILLED JASMINE TEA 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 PINCH KOSHER SALT CURIOUS GEORGE FLOAT N/A  2 OZ MONIN CHOCOLATE FUDGE SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN BANANA SYRUP 5 OZ CLUB SODA                  GINGER LYCHEE MULE N/A  1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN LYCHEE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 4 OZ CLUB SODA KIWI BUBBLE GREEN MILK TEA N/A  3 OZ HOT WATER 0.75 TBSP GREEN MILK TEA POWDER 0.5 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 0.5 OZ MONIN KIWI SYRUP 0.25 CUP TAPIOCA BOBAS LYCHEE ICED GREEN TEA N/A  1 OZ MONIN LYCHEE SYRUP 3 OZ CHILLED GREEN TEA TOP WITH CLUB SODA MAI TAI ZERO PROOF  0.5 OZ MONIN ALMOND SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN COCONUT SYRUP 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE MANGO BUBBLE MILK TEA N/A  3 OZ HOT WATER 0.75 TBSP BLACK MILK TEA POWDER 0.5 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 0.5 OZ MONIN MANGO SYRUP 0.25 CUP TAPIOCA BOBAS MOJITO N/A  15 mint leaves 1 teaspoon raw sugar 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup ice 4 ounces chilled ginger ale or 4 ounces club soda or 4 ounces sparkling water              MUDSLIDE - N/A  vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup cold coffee 2 cups milk 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, plus more for rim 1 teaspoon hazelnut syrup 1 1/2 cup heavy cream whipped topping maraschino cherries 1 pinch chocolate sprinkles 1 pinch cinnamon WATERMELON ISLAND SODA N/A  3 OZ MONIN WATERMELON FRUIT PUREE 1 OZ MONIN GUAVA SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 8 EA. FRESH MINT LEAVES 2 OZ CLUB SODA MIAMI VICE N/A  1 ounce pineapple juice 1 ounce coconut cream 1/2 ounce half & half 1 1/2 ounces strawberry puree 1 1/2 ounces lime juice 1/4 ounce simple syrup 1 cup ice (crushed) Garnish: strawberry FROZEN MARGARITA N/A  Lime wedge Coarse sugar 1 (6-oz) can frozen limeade concentrate 3/4 cup orange juice 2/3 cup unsweetened grapefruit juice 4 cups ice cubes SHIRLEY TEMPLE N/A  3 ounces lemon-lime soda 3 ounces ginger ale 1/4 ounce grenadine Garnish: maraschino cherry ROY ROGERS N/A  1 can/bottle of Coca Cola 1 tablespoon or so of Grenadine maraschino cherry              RASPBERRY FIZZ N/A  2 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice 1/2 to 1 ounce raspberry flavoring syrup 1/2 to 3/4 cup ice cubes 6 ounces club soda, chilled BLUEBERRY MOJITO N/A  6-8 mint leaves Handful of fresh blueberries 2 oz of lime juice 2 oz of simple syrup Splash of club soda JUICY JULEP N/A  Ice 1 measure pineapple juice 1 measure orange juice 1 measure freshly squeeze lime juice Ginger ale, to top off 1 teaspoon mint, crushed or finely chopped Sprig of mint, for garnish Lime wedge and/or pineapple slice, for garnish ITALIAN SODA N/A  3 Oz Club Soda 2 Oz Rasberry Syrup Crushed Ice Whipped Cream BANANA PINA COLADA N/A  1/2 banana 6 Oz Pina Colada Mix MAI TAI N/A  2 oz orange juice 2 oz pineapple juice 1 oz lime juice 1 oz grenadine 2 oz sparkling/seltzer water ice oranges, limes, cherries for garnish        

21 minutes ago, Tinkerbellsparkle said: Is there such things as NCL cocktail menus? I have struggled with other Cruise Lines, many don't have a printed menu from which you can peruse, and if there is one it is a limited list. You see the bar tender carrying interesting drinks to other tables and wonder what they are as they are not on the list. I would like to make full use of the free drinks and try lots of different cocktails! 😵 ‍ 💫 🤕 🤣

This recent thread from BirdTravels collects all of the bar menus from the Encore... I used this to make a personal 'to drink' list for my sailing next week. And of course, when an interesting drink goes by, you can always flag down a waiter to say "I'll have what she's having..."

31 minutes ago, Tinkerbellsparkle said: Is there such things as NCL cocktail menus? I have struggled with other Cruise Lines, many don't have a printed menu from which you can peruse, and if there is one it is a limited list. You see the bar tender carrying interesting drinks to other tables and wonder what they are as they are not on the list. I would like to make full use of the free drinks and try lots of different cocktails! 😵 ‍ 💫 🤕 🤣

@Hadacareer provided a pretty comprehensive list.  I've gotten to know bartenders/servers on various trips and when they get a feel for what you like, they'll often suggest things off-menu that you might like.  Like an alcoholic Netflix!

I took my niece and her friend on a 2019 cruise where I introduced them to Toasted Almonds (amaretto, Kahlua, and cream.)  By the end of the cruise, the bartender had subbed the cream for soft ice cream mix, added creme de cacao, and once -- by accident -- added peach schnapps.   My blood sugar went up just watching her.  🙂

9 minutes ago, phillygwm said: @Hadacareer provided a pretty comprehensive list.  I've gotten to know bartenders/servers on various trips and when they get a feel for what you like, they'll often suggest things off-menu that you might like.  Like an alcoholic Netflix!   I took my niece and her friend on a 2019 cruise where I introduced them to Toasted Almonds (amaretto, Kahlua, and cream.)  By the end of the cruise, the bartender had subbed the cream for soft ice cream mix, added creme de cacao, and once -- by accident -- added peach schnapps.   My blood sugar went up just watching her.  🙂

Yumm!  My next wish cocktail is going to be the smoky old fashioned…

14 hours ago, Hadacareer said:  NCL Beverages - current as of 8/25/2021  5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE - MARGARITAVILLE  1 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE PASSION FRUIT TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.25 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 0.5 OZ GRENADINE AMARETTO SOUR  1.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 0.75 - 1.5 OZ SWEET & SOUR MIX AMERICANO  1.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 1.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 2-3 OZ CLUB SODA ANCHO PANCHO  1.5 OZ TABERNERO PISCO 0.5 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 1 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 0.75 AJI PANCA SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE APEROL SPRITZ  3 ounces prosecco 2 ounces Aperol 1 ounce club soda Garnish: orange slice APPLE BLOSSOM  2 OZ ULTIMAT VODKA 1 OZ PATRON CITRONGE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ APPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE                    AVIATION  1.75 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 1 OZ MARACHINO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ CRÈME DE VIOLETTE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SQUEEZE OF LIME BB C  1.25 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX B-52  0.75 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ GRAND MARNIER LIQUEUR BACARDI MOJITO  1.25 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 2 OZ CLUB SODA 3-5 FRESH LIME WEDGES 6 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP BAHAMA MAMA - MARGARITAVILLE  0.5 OZ BACARDI SELECT RUM 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE COCONUT RUM 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.50 OZ GRENADINE BASIL CUCUMBER TWIST  1.75 OZ BEEFEATER GIN 1 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1 LEAF FRESH BASIL 2 SLICES FRESH CUCUMBER 1.5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE BE A PEACH  1.25 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 EGG WHITE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 0.75 OZ MONIN PEACH SYRUP               BEE CHARMER  1.5 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN (LAVENDER-INFUSED) 0.5 OZ GREEN CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ HONEY SYRUP (1:1) 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE BELLINI  1.5 OZ PEACH PURÉE 4 OZ PROSECCO 0.5 OZ PEACH LIQUEUR BERMUDA TRIANGLE PUNCH  2 oz. GOSLING'S BLACK SEAL RUM 1 oz. PINEAPPLE JUICE 1⁄2 oz. PASSION FRUIT JUICE 1 oz. ORANGE JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS BERRY BASIL JULEP  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S OLD NO 7 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 MUDDLED BLACKBERRIES .05 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 LEAVES FRESH BASIL BLACK MOUNTAIN  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S RYE 0.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ AVERNA LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS BLACK VELVET  EQUAL PARTS GUINNESS STOUT EQUAL PARTS CHAMPAGNE              BLACKBERRY BOURBON SMASH - ON TAP Maltings Whiskey Bar  2 ounces bourbon 1/2 ounce lime juice, or 2 lime wedges, squeezed 6–7 mint leaves, muddled 2–3 blackberries, muddled 3/4 ounce simple syrup (1 tablespoon of sugar will do) 1 ounce club soda cup of ice 2-3 FRESH BLACKBERRIES BLOOD AND SAND  .75 OZ SCOTCH .75 OZ CHERRY HERING LIQUEUR .75 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH .75 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE BLOODY MARY  0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 DASHES HOT SAUCE 2 DASHES WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE PINCH SALT & PEPPER DASH CELERY SALT 2 OZ VODKA 4 OZ TOMATO JUICE BLUE GLACIER  0.5 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey 0.5 oz Vodka 0.5 oz Bacardi Superior Rum .25 oz Triple Sec Liqueur .25 oz Simple Syrup .25 oz Passion Fruit puree 0.5 oz Lemon Juice Dash Blue Curacoa Lemon-lime soda to top Garnish: 1 Lemon Wheel and 1⁄2 Orange Wheel BLUE LAGOON  1 ounce vodka 1 ounce blue curaçao 4 ounces lemonade Garnish: lemon or orange wheel Garnish: maraschino cherry BRUGAL GINGER MOJITO  1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 3-4 FRESH LIME WEDGES 5-6 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 OZ GINGER ALE              BUCCANEER  1.5 OZ BACARDI OAKHEART RUM 1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 3 FRESH MINT LEAVES 2 OZ SODA WATER BUENA VISTA IRISH COFFEE  1 OZ JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY 1 OZ AMERICANO COFFEE 2 OZ HOT WATER 1 SUGAR CUBE 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM BUSH WHACKER  0.25 OZ STOLI VANILLA VODKA 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX TOP WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP CAIPIRINHA  1.25 OZ SAGATIBA CACHAÇA 2.5 TBS BROWN SUGAR 5 FRESH LIME WEDGES CANNONBALL  0.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ SAM ADAMS BOSTON LAGER BEER 1.5 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 1 OZ MONIN PEACH TEA SYRUP 2-4 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS CAPE COD  1.5 OZ VODKA 5 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE CAPRIOSKA - Portugal  1 ounce simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar) 1 lime, cut into quarters 2 ounces vodka Garnish: 4 lime quarters               CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL  6 OZ CHAMPAGNE 1 SUGAR CUBE 2-4 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS SPLASH COGNAC VS CIAO VENEZIA  1.5 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 ROSEMARY SPRIG EQUAL TOP WITH SODA WATER CITRUS GEM  2.5 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 2 OZ GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE CLASSIC MOJITO - NCL Cuba - Ernest Hemingway's Favorite  1 oz. of lime juice 2 tbsp. of superfine sugar 5 mint leaves 3 oz. white rum 1.5 oz. club soda COCO CABANA - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE COCONUT RUM 0.75 OZ MIDORI MELON LIQUEUR 3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE COCO MOJITO  1.5 OZ MALIBU COCONUT RUM 2.5 OZ COCONUT WATER 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 DASHES MINT BITTERS COLLINS  1.5 OZ VODKA, GIN OR BOURBON 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH CLUB SODA               COSMOPOLITAN  2.5 OZ KETEL ONE VODKA 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE CUBA LIBRE  1.5 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 4 OZ COLA CUCUMBER SUNRISE  2 cucumber wheels (muddled) 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. Absolut vodka 2 oz. watermelon syrup 2 oz. orange juice 1 cucumber wheel garnish DARK & STORMY  2 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 3 OZ GINGER BEER 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE EASTERN LEGACY  1 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ WHITE PEACH PURÉE 1 OZ SODA WATER EMPEROR’S NECTAR  1.5 OZ MANDARINE NAPOLÉON LIQUEUR 1 OZ APPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ CINNAMON SYRUP 1 OZ GINGER BEER 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE ESPRESSO MARTINI  2 OZ VODKA 1 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 1 OZ ESPRESSO OPTIONAL SIMPLE SYRUP               FEELIN' HOT HOT HOT - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ 1800 REPOSADO TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ MONIN HABANERO LIME SYRUP 2.25 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX FRENCH 75  1 OZ GIN OR COGNAC 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ CHAMPAGNE FRENCH MANHATTAN  2 OZ DEWAR’S SCOTCH 1 OZ CHAMBORD LIQUEUR 3 DASHES BITTERS FRENCH MARTINI  2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) pineapple juice 1⁄2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Chambord or other raspberry liqueur For the garnish: raspberry (optional) FRENCH RASPBERRY  2 OZ RUSSIAN STANDARD VODKA 1 OZ CHAMBORD LIQUEUR 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE FUNKY MONK  0.5 OZ GREEN CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ HENDRICK’S GIN 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUIC GETAWAY  1 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 2 OZ PROSECCO 8-10 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 TSP SUPER FINE SUGAR 0.5 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP               GIMLET  2 OZ GIN OR VODKA 0.75 OZ ROSE'S LIME JUIC GIN FIZZ  1.5 OZ GIN 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1-2 OZ CLUB SODA GOOMBAY SMASH  3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 1.5 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 0.75 OZ BACARDI COCONUT RUM 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR GRASS CLIPPINGS  1.5 OZ 1800 SILVER TEQUILA 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 3 ENGLISH CUCUMBER SLICES 1 LARGE CILANTRO LEAF 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP GRAEEN TEA SHOT  1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey, such as Jameson (15 ml) 1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps (15 ml) 1/2 ounce Sour Mix (15 ml) Splash of Sprite or other lemon-lime soda 2 - 4 ice cubes GUILLOTINE  2 OZ GENTLEMAN JACK BOURBON 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 DASHES MOLE BITTERS COFFEE & ABSINTHE SPRAY GULLY WASH (Also known as Sky Juice)  2 oz. Gin 1.5 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk Coconut Water Garnish: Cherry               GUNNER G&T  1.25 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 2 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE 2 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE HARVEY WALLBANGER  4-5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ GALLIANO LIQUEUR 1.5 OZ VODKA HAVANA OLD FASHIONED  2.0 OZ BACARDI 8 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 2 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS HAVANA’ S & BANANAS - MARGARITAVILLE  0.75 OZ MARGARITAVILLE DARK RUM 0.75 OZ BOLS CRÈME DE BANANA LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 3 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX HENNESSEY FIZZ  1.25 OZ HENNESSEY COGNAC 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 5 OZ CLUB SODA HIBISCUS MARGARITA  1.5 ounces tequila 1 ounce Hibiscus syrup 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice 0.5 ounce agave nectar Cinnamon sugar rim HONEY LEMONADE  1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2 OZ LEMON-LIME SPARKLING SODA 1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE               HOTEL NATIONAL  1.5 OZ DARK RUM 1.0 OZ APRICOT MONIN SYRUP 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE INCOMMUNICADO - MARGARITAVILLE  0.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE 2.0 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 0.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SMIRNOFF VODKA 0.25 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.75 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE JACKHAMMER  1 ounce vodka 1 ounce light rum 1 ounce amaretto 2 ounces orange juice 2 ounces pineapple juice Maraschino cherry, to garnish JALAPEÑO CUCUMBER MOJITO  1.25 OZ ZACAPA AMBAR 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH CUCUMBER JUICE 2 JALAPEÑO RINGS 1 SLICE CUCUMBER TOP WITH CLUB SODA KIR  WHITE WINE 0.5 OZ CRÈME DE CASIS LIQUEUR KISS ON THE LIPS  1.5 oz. peach schnapps 5 oz. frozen mango mix 1 tbsp. grenadine              LA FLORIDITA  1.5 OZ WHITE RUM 0.75 OZ GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 0.5 OZ MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP LAST MANGO - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE MANGO TEQUILA 0.75 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 1 OZ OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRY JUICE LAVA FLOW  1 cup strawberries 1 cup ice 4 ounces light rum 1 banana 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup coconut milk Fresh pineapple, garnish LAVENDAR PATCH  2.5 OZ STOLICHNAYA VODKA 0.75 OZ LAVENDAR SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 5 FRESH MINT LEAVES LE FIZZ  2 OZ TITO’S VODKA 1 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE SPLASH CLUB SODA LEGEND REVIVER - Wade Cleophas from Norwegian Escape award winning cocktail  2 oz BACARDÍ® OCHO (8) ANOS 0.75 oz Star Anise Infused Sweet Vermouth 0.25 oz Caramel/Cinnamon Syrup 3 Drops of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters Mist of Absinthe Garnish: Lemon Peel and Star Anise LEMON DROP MARTINI  2 ounces vodka 1 ounce simple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice about half a lemon. strained to remove seeds and pulp extra lemon for garnish and rimming the glass sugar for garnishing the glass               LICENSE TO CHILL - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 0.75 OZ BOLS BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX LIKE THE SEA AFTER A STORM  1 OZ AMONTILLADO SHERRY 1 OZ PATRÓN REPOSADO TEQUILA 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS LONG ISLAND ICED TEA (LIT)  .75 OZ Gin .75 OZ White rum .75 OZ Silver tequila .75 OZ Vodka .75 OZ Triple sec .75 OZ Simple syrup .75 OZ Fresh lemon juice Cola to top MAI TAI  1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 0.5 OZ MONIN ALMOND SYRUP 1 DASH CINNAMON MANGO MELTDOWN  1.25 OZ BRUGAL ANEJO RUM 0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 4 OZ ISLAND OASIS MANGO MIX 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS STRAWBERRY MIX TO FLOAT MANHATTAN  2 OZ WHISKEY 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS MATADOR  1.5 OZ BULLEIT BOURBON 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ ELDERFLOWER SYRUP 3 PCS CANDIED GINGER 3 DASHES BLOOD ORANGE BITTERS SPLASH GINGER ALE               MEXICAN COFFEE  0.5 OZ TEQUILA 0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 1 OZ ESPRESSO 2 OZ HOT WATER 1 SUGAR CUBE 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM MEZCAL NEGRONI  1 OZ MEZCAL 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 1 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR MIMOSA  2 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 4 OZ CHAMPAGNE MINT JULEP  2 SPRIG OF FRESH MINT 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 2.5 OZ BOURBON MOJITO - Classic  1.25 oz Bacardi Superior Rum 2 oz club soda 3-5 lime wedges 6 fresh mint leaves 1 oz simple syrup MOJITO - Coco Mojito  1.25 oz Malibu Coconut Rum 2.5 oz coconut water 0.5 oz simple syrup 1 sprig of fresh mint 2-4 dashes mint bitters MOJITO - Pineapple Coconut  1.25 oz Bacardi Coconut Rum 1 oz pineapple puree 0.5 oz simple syrup 3 pieces lime wedges 6 pieces mint leaves               MOJITO - Jalapeño Passion  1.25 oz Zacapa 23 Rum 0.25 oz simple syrup 0.5 oz fresh cucumber juice 2 jalapeño rings 1 slice cucumber MOJITO - RASPBERRY GUAVA  1.25 oz Captain Morgan White Rum 1 oz guava puree 0.5 oz simple syrup 4-6 fresh raspberries 6 pieces fresh mint sprig MOJITO - Spicy Passion  1.25 oz Atlantico Rum 0.25 oz Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur 0.5 oz simple syrup 1 oz passionfruit puree 3 pieces of lime wedges 1 fresh mint sprig MOSCOW MULE  1.5 OZ SKYY VODKA 4 OZ GINGER BEER 3 FRESH LIME WEDGES MR WORLD WIDE  1 OZ VOLI BLACK VODKA 0.5 OZ PIMM’S NO. 1 LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ STRAWBERRY PUREE 1 FRESH BASIL 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH SPARKLING WINE MUDSLIDE  0.75 OZ SKYY VODKA 0.75 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 4 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX NAPA VALLEY V&T  1.25 OZ ABSOLUT CITRON VODKA 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 2 DASHES GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 1 GRAPEFRUIT HALF WHEEL 1 ROSEMARY SPRIG               NEGRONI  1 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 0.5 OZ CAMPARI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH NORTHERN LIGHTS - Made especially for the NCL Alaskan Cruises  1.5 oz. Gin 0.75 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice 0.75 oz. simple syrup 4 mint leaves Top with lemon-lime soda Garnish: lime wheel, thinly sliced with mandolin, and mint spring OFF TO SEE THE LIZARD - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.75 OZ MIDORI MELON LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX OLD FASHIONED  1-2 SUGAR CUBE 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 2 ORANGE SLICE 2 MARASCHINO CHERRIES SPLASH CLUB SODA 2 OZ BOURBON PAINKILLER  1.75 OZ PUSSER’S DARK RUM 1.5 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1.5 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE PALOMA  2 OZ CAZADORES BLANCO TEQUILA 0.25 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE FILL SAN PELLEGRINO GRAPEFRUIT SODA PAPA DOBLE  3 OZ WHITE RUM 1-1.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ MARSH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE 6 DROPS LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR               PERFECT MARGARITA  0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 1 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 OZ FRESH LIME WEDGES SQUEEZED PIMM'S CUP  1.5 OZ PIMM’S NO. 1 LIQUEUR TOP WITH LEMON-LIME SPARKLING SODA PIÑA COLADA  1 OZ WHITE RUM 0.75 OZ GOSLING’S BLACK SEAL RUM 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 0.5 OZ HEAVY CREAM 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE PINA PICASSO  1.5 OZ CAZADORES BLANCO TEQUILA 0.5 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE PINEAPPLE COCONUT MOJITO  1.25 OZ BACARDI COCONUT RUM 1 OZ PINEAPPLE PURÉE 3 PCS FRESH LIME WEDGES 6 PCS FRESH MINT LEAVES 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP PINEAPPLE RUM CHAMP  1 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM 1 OZ ZACAPA AMBAR 1 OZ CINNAMON SYRUP 1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 8 FRESH MINT LEAVES PINEAPPLE UPSIDE- DOWN CAkE MARTINI  1.5 oz. Vanilla or Cake Vodka 2 oz. Pineapple Juice Splash of Grenadine Garnish Mint Sprig or a Cherry               PINK LADY  1.5 OZ GIN 0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1 OZ HEAVY CREAM PISCO SOUR  1.5 OZ TABERNERO PISCO 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ EGG WHITE 3-4 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS POUSSE CAFE  0.25 OZ GRENADINE 0.25 OZ CRÈME DE CACAO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ GREEN CRÈME DE MENTHE LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BRANDY PRESBYTERIAN  1.5 OZ BOURBON 2 OZ CLUB SODA 2 OZ GINGER ALE PUMPKIN SPICED  11 OZ GUINNESS STOUT 1.5 OZ MONIN PUMPKIN SPICE 1 EGG WHITE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS RASPBERRY GUAVA MOJITO  1.5 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE RUM 6 FRESH MINT SPRIG 6 FRESH RASPBERRIES 1 OZ GUAVA PURÉE 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP TOP WITH CLUB SODA REBELLIOUS FISH  0.75 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1.0 OZ RUSSIAN STANDARD VODKA 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 2 OZ PROSECCO 2 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE               RED LIGHT DISTRICT  1.5 OZ ATLANTICO PLATINO RUM 1 OZ MONIN POMEGRANATE SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1 OZ SODA WATER 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS RETRIBUTION  1 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 1 OZ APEROL ITALIAN LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 3 OZ STELLA ARTOIS LAGER BEER RITZ COCKTAIL  0.75 OZ COGNAC VS 0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE SPLASH CHAMPAGNE ROB ROY  2 OZ BLENDED SCOTCH 1 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH DASH BITTERS RUM SWIZZLE  2 fluid ounces Grenadine 4 fluid ounces Bacardi light Rum 1 fluid ounce lime juice 5 fluid ounces pineapple juice 6 dash Angostura Bitters RUSTY NAIL  1 OZ JOHNNIE WALKER RED 1 OZ DRAMBUIE RYE-THAI  1.25 OZ JACK DANIEL'S RYE 0.5 OZ MONIN ORGEAT SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE               SATURN LANDING  1.5 OZ TANQUERAY GIN 1 OZ MONIN ORGEAT SYRUP 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ VELVET FALERNUM SAZERAC  1 SUGAR CUBE 3 ASHES BITTERS 2 OZ RYE WHISKEY SPLASH ABSINTHE SCREWDRIVER  1.5 OZ VODKA 4-5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE SEABREEZE  1 1/2 ounces vodka 3 ounces cranberry juice 1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice Garnish: lime wheel SENSEI COLLINS  1.5 OZ GIN 1 OZ SENSEI TEA BLEND SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE TOP WITH CLUB SODA SHAKU - SHAKU  1 OZ GEKKEIKAN SAKE 0.5 OZ CHARTREUSE LIQUEUR 3 CHUNKS MUDDLED CUCUMBER 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP SHERRY COBBLER  1.5 OZ SHERRY MANZANILLA 1 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ BERRY PURÉE 1 OZ CHARDONNAY WINE               SIDECAR  1.5 OZ BRANDY HIDALGO RESERVA 12 YO 0.75 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE ORANGE SLICE SUGAR SINGAPORE SLING  0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ BENEDICTINE LIQUEUR 3 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 OZ GIN 0.5 OZ CHERRY HERING LIQUEUR DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS SMOKED OLD FASHIONED  2 oz. BOURBON 0.5 oz. DOUBLE-STRENGTH DEMERARA SYRUP 6 dashes ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 LARGE SMOKED ICE CUBE SMOKED ORANGE and LEMON PEELS SMOKY MONK  1.5 OZ JOHNNIE WALKER INFUSED WITH BLACK YUNNAN GOLD TEA 0.5 OZ AVERNA LIQUEUR 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS SNOWPLOW - Believe this is only offered on Alaska cruises - Hot Beverage  1 oz Coconut Rum 1 oz Irish Cream 1/2 oz Creme de Cacao 1 dash Cinnamon 8 oz (Hot) Chocolate 1 1/2 oz Whipping Cream SPANISH G&T  1.5 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC SPICY MARGARITA  0.5 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ MONIN HABANERO LIME SYRUP 1.25 OZ TEQUILA 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE               SPICY PASSION MOJITO  1.25 OZ ATLANTICO PLATINO RUM 0.25 OZ ANCHO REYES CHILI LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 PCS FRESH LIME WEDGES 1 FRESH MINT SPRIG 1 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE STINGER  1 OZ COGNAC VS 1 OZ WHITE CRÈME DE MENTHE LIQUEUR STRANDED ON A SANDBAR - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE PASSION FRUIT TEQUILA 0.75 OZ BOLS PEACH LIQUEUR 1.75 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.75 OZ CRANBERRY JUICE Strawberry Basil Bellissimo  4 strawberries 3 basil leaves Strawberry syrup 2 oz. vodka of choice 2 oz. lime juice STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI  1.5 OZ WHITE RUM 1.0 OZ STRAWBERRY MONIN SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE SMOKED PEACH SPICY MARGARITA  1 peach, sliced into quarters 1 large jalapeño, sliced fresh lime juice 1 tsp agave syrup 2 oz Anejo tequila TEQUILA OLD FASHIONED  2 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 1 DASH ORANGE BITTERS 1 DASH ANGOSTURA BITTERS               TEQUILA SUNRISE  1.5 OZ SILVER TEQUILA 4 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ GRENADINE THAI RUM  1.25 OZ MYERS’S ORIGINAL DARK RUM 0.25 OZ CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM 1 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 2 FRESH BASIL TOP SODA & RUM THE BOSS V&T  4 FRESH MINT LEAVES 1.25 OZ GREY GOOSE VODKA 4 OZ FEVER TREE TONIC 2 ORANGE HALF SLICE 2 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS TIDAL COLADA  1.5 OZ JOSE CUERVO GOLD TEQUILA 0.5 OZ MONIN CHIPOTLE PINEAPPLE SYRUP 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS TIE ME UP TIE ME DOWN  1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.75 OZ ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP 2.5 OZ ABSOLUT CITRON VODKA 0.75 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE TODDY  0.5 OZ DARK RUM 0.5 OZ BOURBON 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 1 OZ HONEY 3-4 OZ HOT TEA OR WATER TORO TORO  1 OZ MONIN CHIPOTLE PINEAPPLE SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1.5 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA               TRANQUIL WATERS - MARGARITAVILLE  1.5 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ BLUE CURAÇAO LIQUEUR 3.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.5 OZ ISLAND OASIS MANGO MIX TROPICAL PALOMA  1.5 OZ PATRON SILVER TEQUILA 0.5 OZ PASSION FRUIT PURÉE 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 0.5 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 4 OZ JARRITOS GRAPEFRUIT SODA UPTOWN MARGARITA - MARGARITAVILLE  0.5 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX 1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.25 OZ GRAND MARNIER LIQUEUR FLOAT Up, Up and Away - Norwegian Bliss Head Mixologist Marc McArthur  2 OZ BACARDÍ Ocho Años 1 OZ espresso 0.5 OZ cinnamon syrup 0.33 oz Fernet-Branca® orange twist and coffee beans WASABI COCKTAIL  2 OZ SAKE 1 OZ LYCHEE LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.5 OZ GRENADINE 1 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE WATERMELON MARGARITA - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 1.25 OZ FINEST CALL WATERMELON PURÉE 2.5 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX WHISKEY SOUR  1.5 OZ WHISKEY 1 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 0.25 OZ, OPTIONAL EGG WHITE               WHITE LADY  1.5 OZ GIN 1 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE WHO’S TO BLAME - MARGARITAVILLE  1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE GOLD TEQUILA 0.75 OZ TRIPLE SEC LIQUEUR 3.75 OZ LEMON-X MARGARITA MIX WIKI RUM PUNCH  0.5 OZ BACARDI SUPERIOR RUM 1 OZ BACARDI GOLD RUM 0.25 OZ PASSOÃ PASSION FRUIT LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 3 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE WOODFORD OLD FASHIONED  2 OZ WOODFORD RESERVE BOURBON 0.25 OZ MAPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ CINZANO SWEET VERMOUTH 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 1 ORANGE SLICE 1 MARASCHINO CHERRIES ZOMBIE  1.5 OZ DARK RUM 0.5 OZ 151 - PROOF DEMERARA RUM 0.25 OZ VELVET FALERNUM 0.5 OZ DONN'S MIX #1 1.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 TSP GRENADINE 2 DASHES ANGOSTURA BITTERS 6 DROPS ABSINTHE ZOMBIE BRAIN SHOT  4 part peach schnapps 1 part creme de menthe 2 part Baileys Irish Cream 1 part grenadine           ZOMBIE - MARGARITAVILLE     1.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SILVER RUM 0.5 OZ BOLS APRICOT BRANDY LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ MARGARITAVILLE SPICED RUM 1.25 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE 1.25 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE 1.25 OZ HOUSE-MADE SWEET AND SOUR    Non-Alcoholic  Most of the above drinks can be ordered as Virgin drink. Always worth asking.  CARROT GINGERIZER N/A  1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE 6 OZ CARROT JUICE 1 OZ CLUB SODA COCONUT PINEAPPLE SNOW N/A  0.5 OZ MONIN COCONUT SYRUP 0.5 OZ MONIN PINEAPPLE SYRUP 6 OZ COCONUT MILK 1 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK CUCUMBER TEA N/A  2 OZ MONIN CUCUMBER SYRUP 3 OZ CHILLED JASMINE TEA 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 1 PINCH KOSHER SALT CURIOUS GEORGE FLOAT N/A  2 OZ MONIN CHOCOLATE FUDGE SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN BANANA SYRUP 5 OZ CLUB SODA                  GINGER LYCHEE MULE N/A  1 OZ MONIN GINGER SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN LYCHEE SYRUP 0.5 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 4 OZ CLUB SODA KIWI BUBBLE GREEN MILK TEA N/A  3 OZ HOT WATER 0.75 TBSP GREEN MILK TEA POWDER 0.5 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 0.5 OZ MONIN KIWI SYRUP 0.25 CUP TAPIOCA BOBAS LYCHEE ICED GREEN TEA N/A  1 OZ MONIN LYCHEE SYRUP 3 OZ CHILLED GREEN TEA TOP WITH CLUB SODA MAI TAI ZERO PROOF  0.5 OZ MONIN ALMOND SYRUP 1 OZ MONIN COCONUT SYRUP 2 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE MANGO BUBBLE MILK TEA N/A  3 OZ HOT WATER 0.75 TBSP BLACK MILK TEA POWDER 0.5 OZ SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK 0.5 OZ MONIN MANGO SYRUP 0.25 CUP TAPIOCA BOBAS MOJITO N/A  15 mint leaves 1 teaspoon raw sugar 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup ice 4 ounces chilled ginger ale or 4 ounces club soda or 4 ounces sparkling water              MUDSLIDE - N/A  vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup cold coffee 2 cups milk 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, plus more for rim 1 teaspoon hazelnut syrup 1 1/2 cup heavy cream whipped topping maraschino cherries 1 pinch chocolate sprinkles 1 pinch cinnamon WATERMELON ISLAND SODA N/A  3 OZ MONIN WATERMELON FRUIT PUREE 1 OZ MONIN GUAVA SYRUP 1 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 8 EA. FRESH MINT LEAVES 2 OZ CLUB SODA MIAMI VICE N/A  1 ounce pineapple juice 1 ounce coconut cream 1/2 ounce half & half 1 1/2 ounces strawberry puree 1 1/2 ounces lime juice 1/4 ounce simple syrup 1 cup ice (crushed) Garnish: strawberry FROZEN MARGARITA N/A  Lime wedge Coarse sugar 1 (6-oz) can frozen limeade concentrate 3/4 cup orange juice 2/3 cup unsweetened grapefruit juice 4 cups ice cubes SHIRLEY TEMPLE N/A  3 ounces lemon-lime soda 3 ounces ginger ale 1/4 ounce grenadine Garnish: maraschino cherry ROY ROGERS N/A  1 can/bottle of Coca Cola 1 tablespoon or so of Grenadine maraschino cherry              RASPBERRY FIZZ N/A  2 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice 1/2 to 1 ounce raspberry flavoring syrup 1/2 to 3/4 cup ice cubes 6 ounces club soda, chilled BLUEBERRY MOJITO N/A  6-8 mint leaves Handful of fresh blueberries 2 oz of lime juice 2 oz of simple syrup Splash of club soda JUICY JULEP N/A  Ice 1 measure pineapple juice 1 measure orange juice 1 measure freshly squeeze lime juice Ginger ale, to top off 1 teaspoon mint, crushed or finely chopped Sprig of mint, for garnish Lime wedge and/or pineapple slice, for garnish ITALIAN SODA N/A  3 Oz Club Soda 2 Oz Rasberry Syrup Crushed Ice Whipped Cream BANANA PINA COLADA N/A  1/2 banana 6 Oz Pina Colada Mix MAI TAI N/A  2 oz orange juice 2 oz pineapple juice 1 oz lime juice 1 oz grenadine 2 oz sparkling/seltzer water ice oranges, limes, cherries for garnish        

Wow, thank you for this list, looks amazing!

A lot of these that interest me have 4/5/6 ingredients in them, quite a few measures or alcohol, just wondering for example if :

BUSH WHACKER 0.25 OZ STOLI VANILLA VODKA 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR

0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR

0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX TOP WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP

would be under $15 and inclusive of the Drinks package?

CardFanDubG

Not exactly a NCL Menu, but here is a list of cocktails that I created for a meet & greet a few years back. Enjoy! 

NCL_Beverage_List.pdf

On 10/5/2021 at 7:20 AM, Tinkerbellsparkle said: Wow, thank you for this list, looks amazing!   A lot of these that interest me have 4/5/6 ingredients in them, quite a few measures or alcohol, just wondering for example if : BUSH WHACKER 0.25 OZ STOLI VANILLA VODKA 0.5 OZ BAILEYS IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ DISARONNO AMARETTO LIQUEUR 0.5 OZ KAHLÚA LIQUEUR 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS ICE CREAM MIX 2 OZ ISLAND OASIS PIÑA COLADA MIX TOP WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP   would be under $15 and inclusive of the Drinks package?

Check the menus on the linked Encore review from BirdTravels, but most of these on-menu drinks are under the $15, even if they have multiple alcohols in them that would normally be over.

You have to learn to play the NCL game, but you'll catch on fast.

For example, the whiskey bar has a Woodford Reserve old fashioned on their menu for $14.  But Woodford is normally $23, so if you ask for it at another location you'd be charged $9.  

Mojito flight with 6 small mojitos will cost you $5 ($20 menu price and you pay the difference), but you can order all six full size at $14 each for no charge.

INFO overload above.  

• 1 month later...

On 10/5/2021 at 1:04 PM, CardFanDubG said: Not exactly a NCL Menu, but here is a list of cocktails that I created for a meet & greet a few years back. Enjoy!  NCL_Beverage_List.pdf 956.58 kB  ·  53 downloads

Hey @CardFanDubG ,

Thanks for the Beverage List, it looks a-mazing. I had come across it in the past, but completely forgot about it!

I love Pisco Sour, but I can't find it anywhere on the NCL menus I found online, yet, it is included in your list. Does that mean I could ask a bartender on NCL to make me one as part of the Open Bar package?  I usually drink beer and wine, but this time I have the Open Bar Free at Sea package (on a TA with PLENTY of sea days), and so I'm wondering how to make the best use out of it, by trying different cocktails!

• 8 months later...

Nova Scotia Cruisers

On 10/4/2021 at 5:51 PM, Hadacareer said:  NCL Beverages - current as of 8/25/2021  Hey fellow NS'er.  You had Kiss on the Lips on your cocktail list, may I ask where you got the list?  Can I actually ask an NCL bartender for a KOTL and they will know what I want? I searched all photos of drink menus and couldn't find anything but a  different mango frz drink.        

On 10/5/2021 at 5:04 AM, CardFanDubG said: Not exactly a NCL Menu, but here is a list of cocktails that I created for a meet & greet a few years back. Enjoy!  NCL_Beverage_List.pdf 956.58 kB  ·  95 downloads

Please note that the "Zombie Brain Shot" on this list is not a standard NCL drink.  They will make you one if you give them the recipe but I advise you pass.  Its a terrible novelty drink.

2 hours ago, Nova Scotia Cruisers said:  

The kiss on the lips and cucumber sunrise are carnival drinks.  I think this list got merged with other cruise line drinks 

2 hours ago, fava said: Please note that the "Zombie Brain Shot" on this list is not a standard NCL drink.  They will make you one if you give them the recipe but I advise you pass.  Its a terrible novelty drink.

Picked out a few for my next cruise, thank you for this amazing list!

I know this is not exactly on topic but has anyone ever had or know how to make the Lavender Mist?  We stayed in the Haven last year on our cruise to Cabo San Lucas and I drank these all week and loved them.  No one at any other bar knew what they were and have not been able to find anyone outside NCL Haven that knows how to make them.  I would love to have the recipe to make them at home, any help is appreciated! 

Thanks for this info. 

1.  We are going to get in trouble with the pink feathered one for posting on an old thread

2. I posted the recipe in your Lavender Mist thread (I posted the recipe for NCL’s Lavender Patch)

I rely on Prof Cruise for all menus on cruise lines. Most updated as of 2023 - I linked you to the NCL drink page. She has it all -   Drink menus, room service, specialty - all of it. amazing.

The drink menus are from December 2022 I think? Recent.

https://profcruise.com/norwegian-bar-menus-2022/

15 hours ago, trj1020 said: I know this is not exactly on topic but has anyone ever had or know how to make the Lavender Mist?  We stayed in the Haven last year on our cruise to Cabo San Lucas and I drank these all week and loved them.  No one at any other bar knew what they were and have not been able to find anyone outside NCL Haven that knows how to make them.  I would love to have the recipe to make them at home, any help is appreciated! 

I don't know that one - but I do like the lavender patch - similar?

8 hours ago, gotscrapz said: I don't know that one - but I do like the lavender patch - similar?

I looked it up, the ingredients sound like they could make a lavender mist.  Maybe they call it different things.... lol

Thanks, gonna try it!

• 6 months later...

Loved the "Eastern Legacy". Yum. Would love to know what brand of white peach puree they use.

EASTERN LEGACY  1 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ WHITE PEACH   PURÉE 1 OZ SODA WATER

6 hours ago, moonjelly said: Loved the "Eastern Legacy". Yum. Would love to know what brand of white peach puree they use.   EASTERN LEGACY  1 OZ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN 0.5 OZ ST-GERMAIN LIQUEUR 0.25 OZ COINTREAU ORANGE LIQUEUR 0.75 OZ YUZU JUICE 0.25 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP 0.5 OZ WHITE PEACH   PURÉE 1 OZ SODA WATER Cheers!

Unless they have made changes in recent months, the brand is Island Oasis!

island oasis is indeed the brand for all the mixes that come in cartons: pina colada, strawberry daiquiri, banana daiquiri, etc.   (by the way, don’t look at the nutritional statement and calorie count printed on the side of the carton!) island oasis may be a brand unique to the restaurant supply industry and not available for retail purchase. many of the syrups, such as watermelon or simple syrup, come in bottles and I’m not sure if they are the same brand.

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