Ready to explore the wonderful world of cruise ship drinks? Whether you’re planning your first cruise or you’re a seasoned sailor, I’m here to help you discover the best drinks to enjoy at sea.
From refreshing cocktails by the pool to cozy warm drinks on deck, cruise ships offer an amazing variety of beverages. Let’s explore everything from classic cocktails to specialty drinks that’ll make your cruise vacation even more memorable.
Top 25 Must-Try Cruise Ship Cocktails
1. Piña Colada
Nothing says “I’m on vacation” quite like a piña colada! This creamy blend of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and white rum is a poolside favorite. I love watching bartenders add fresh pineapple garnishes – it’s like a tiny tropical paradise in a glass.
2. Mojito
Fresh mint makes this drink shine! The mix of rum, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup creates a super refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot days at sea. Ask for it frozen for an extra cool twist.
Honorable mention goes to the raspberry mojito featured onboard Norwegian Cruise Line!
3. Strawberry Daiquiri
Sweet strawberries and rum come together in this frozen favorite. It’s especially good when you’re lounging by the pool bars on warm Caribbean afternoons.
4. Miami Vice
Can’t pick between piña colada and strawberry daiquiri? Get both in one glass! This Instagram-worthy drink splits the two favorites for a fun, colorful treat. Pro tip: Try the Lava Flow version with added banana for an extra tropical twist.
5. Caribbean Rum Punch
This drink brings the party! A mix of dark and white rum meets a blend of orange, lime, and pineapple juice, topped with a splash of grenadine. It’s like sunshine in a glass.
6. Bahama Mama
Meet the sweeter cousin of rum punch! White and dark rum dance with lemon and pineapple juice, while grenadine adds that perfect rosy glow. It’s a must-try when sailing through the Bahamas.
7. Mudslide
Think of it as dessert in a martini glass! Vodka, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s Irish cream create a decadent treat. The chocolate drizzle makes it extra special.
Related: 15 Ways to Get Free Drinks on Your Cruise
8. Mai Tai
Here’s a drink with history! White and dark rum meet orange curaçao and fresh lime juice. It’s less sweet than many tropical drinks, letting the rum shine through.
9. Blue Hawaiian
This eye-catching blue drink is more than just looks. White rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream blend perfectly with blue curaçao for a taste of the tropics.
10. Dirty Monkey (Dirty Banana)
Love bananas? This one’s for you! Kahlúa, dark rum, and rum cream liqueur mix with banana and chocolate for a rich, creamy treat.
11. Lava Flow
Picture a Miami Vice with extra personality! Adding bananas and fresh strawberries to the mix creates beautiful swirls and even better flavor.
12. Martini
A martini is a classic cruise drink! Certain cruise lines like Celebrity have dedicated bars to serve this popular beverage.
This classic alcoholic beverage is made with either vodka or gin and has several variations. Some of the most popular versions of this drink include the lemondrop martini, chocolate martini, and espresso martini.
13. Superman
This tri-colored frozen cocktail looks like a party! Layers of Blue Curaçao, strawberry daiquiri, and piña colada create a fun and tasty drink that’s perfect for photos.
14. Sex on the Beach
A pool bar favorite! Vodka and peach schnapps blend with pineapple, orange, and cranberry juice for a fruity, refreshing drink that’s not too strong.
15. Frozen Margarita
The classic margarita goes tropical! Silver tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice get the frozen treatment. Try it in flavors like strawberry or watermelon.
Honorable mention goes to the 24k Margarita, a popular alcoholic beverage only available onboard Princess cruises.
16. Bay Breeze
Sometimes simple is best. This easy-drinking mix of vodka, cranberry, and pineapple juice is perfect for sipping by the pool.
17. Amaretto Sour
Sweet meets tangy in this sophisticated sipper. Amaretto liqueur, bourbon, and fresh lemon juice create a perfectly balanced cocktail.
18. Paloma
This Mexican favorite combines tequila with grapefruit juice, lime, and a splash of club soda. It’s bright, refreshing, and less common than a margarita.
19. Bushwacker
Think adult milkshake! This frozen blend of rum, Kahlúa, crème de cacao, and coconut cream is dessert in a glass.
20. Tom Collins
A classic that never goes out of style. Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda create a refreshing drink that’s perfect before dinner.
21. Cosmopolitan
Channel your inner sophisticate with this classic mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime. It’s elegant and easy to drink.
22. Lime and Coconut
This creamy tropical drink adds a twist with guava syrup. Malibu Coconut rum and coconut milk make it extra lush.
23. Aperol Spritz
Bring Italian style to your cruise! This bubbly mix of Aperol, prosecco, and club soda is perfect for sunset watching.
24. Lavender Daiquiri
A modern twist on the classic daiquiri. Bacardi Superior rum meets lavender syrup for a floral, sophisticated take on a cruise favorite.
25. Rum Old Fashioned
This tropical spin on the classic cocktail uses Bacardi Reserve Ocho rum and coconut syrup. It’s perfect for whiskey lovers looking to try something new.
26. Mango Meltdown
For long-time NCL cruisers, the Mango Meltdown, a frozen concoction of mango and strawberry goodness, is a perfect drink for the lido deck.
27. Mimosa
A classic Mimosa is the perfect breakfast drink on a cruise. The simple mix of orange juice and champagne mix will set the tone for an amazing cruise day.
28. Painkiller
Born in the British Virgin Islands, this creamy mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, rum, and coconut is topped with fresh nutmeg. It’s like a vacation in every sip.
Bonus: Kiss on the Lips
Try the Kiss on the Lips if you’re looking for a fruity and tropical beverage. This cocktail is available on Carnival Cruise Lines, and it’s made with frozen mango, rum, vodka, peach schnapps, and a kiss of drizzled grenadine.
Non-Alcoholic Cruise Drinks
Let’s talk about fantastic alcohol-free options! Cruise ships offer plenty of refreshing beverages for everyone:
- Fresh-squeezed juices make the perfect breakfast companion. Orange juice, tomato juice, and pineapple juice are usually available in the main dining room and through room service.
- Soft drinks are always a great option when you want something simple and chilled.
- Fruit smoothies and virgin cocktails give you all the tropical flavors without the alcohol. The virgin piña colada is a crowd favorite!
Warm Drinks for Cool Nights
Nothing beats watching the sunset with a warm drink in hand. Here are some cozy options:
- Hot chocolate comes with fun variations on many ships. Look for specialty versions with whipped cream, marshmallows, and flavored syrups.
- Premium coffees include lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty coffee drinks. Some ships even offer coffee cocktails for an extra kick.
- Warm tea selections are perfect for early mornings or relaxing evenings on deck.
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Final Thoughts on Best Cruise Drinks
Your cruise vacation is perfect for trying new drinks and revisiting old favorites. Whether you choose a beverage package or pay as you go, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Remember that different cruise lines offer varying drink selections. Royal Caribbean ships might have different specialty cocktails than Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line. The best part? You can always ask the bartenders for recommendations – they know all the secret menu items!
