For many cruisers, the onboard cocktails are one of our favorite parts of a cruise vacation. We buy the cruise line’s all-inclusive drink package, and we make sure they’re sorry they ever offered it. With upcoming Christmas parties, there’s a lot to celebrate right now, so we’re counting down our favorite cruise cocktails that we wish we could bring home.
1. Fun Ship Special
The Fun Ship Special is the alcoholic embodiment of a cruiser’s excitement on embarkation day, which is why it made the top of this list. This classic Carnival cocktail is made with rum, vodka, apricot brandy, amaretto, and fruit punch, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a guest who can resist one.
2. Labadoozie
We admit it, we might be cheating with this one. You won’t actually find this drink on a Royal Caribbean ship. Rather, you have to be sailing on a ship that’s stopping at Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti. But leaving the Labadoozie off this list would be a sin. Made with coconut rum, dark rum, grenadine, coconut cream, and a few fruit juices, this cocktail has been known to cause pure joy and an infectious smile among cruisers who drink it.
3. Rebellious Fish
This cocktail is swimmingly famous among Norwegian cruisers. Mixed with sparkling wine, orange vodka, orange juice, orange liqueur, and fruit liqueur, this drink is all too perfect to sip poolside.
4. Cucumber Sunrise
This cocktail has gained popularity among Carnival cruisers thanks to the master mixologists behind the Alchemy Bar. Belvedere vodka, watermelon nectar, muddled cucumber, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a splash of orange juice are shaken together to craft this unique and incredibly refreshing cocktail.
5. Cucumber Martini
Possibly a competitor to Carnival’s Cucumber Sunrise, this Royal Caribbean martini is made with cucumber wheels, basil leaves, lemon grass syrup, sweet and sour, and Grey Goose vodka. The catch with this cocktail is that it’s only served at 150 Central Park – a specialty dining venue that costs $40 per person.
6. Painkiller
Another favorite among Norwegian guests is the Painkiller. Pusser’s rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut are shaken and served as a cocktail worthy of its name!
7. Punchliner
This one packs a punch all right! Ingredients include vodka, white rum, gin, blue curacao, lemonade mix, lychee syrup, and club soda. Pair this cocktail with the laughter that will surely ensue inside Carnival’s Punchliner Comedy Club, and you’ll be in for a night full of fun.
8. Toasted Almond Martini
For a delicious dessert cocktail or for anyone who just has a sweet tooth, this martini from Princess Cruises is sure to satisfy. Made with amaretto, Kahlúa, Brogans Irish Cream, and vodka, this drink is divine.
9. Martini Seduction
Given that most Carnival cruisers who frequent the Alchemy Bar have a tough time finding a cocktail on its menu that they don’t like, it’s no surprise that two cocktails from that menu made our list. Crafted with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, red passion fruit nectar, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a hint of orange, this cocktail is a fan favorite thanks to all fresh fruity flavors that complement the orange vodka.
And last but not least…
10. Christmas Cookie Cocktail
We had to include this special cruise cocktail on this list given the spirit of the holidays right now. Thanks to Disney Cruise Line’s holiday cocktail menu, you can share in the holiday cruising joy with this deliciously sweet cookie drink and even pair it with your holiday cookies too. And while you’re at it, perhaps mix one up for Santa too… I’m sure it’d be a welcome change from all the milk!
- 1 oz Baileys
- 1 oz Kahlúa
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Cookie shavings
Blend the Baileys, Kahlúa, peppermint schnapps, and ice cream. Then, layer the bottom of a catalina glass with the chocolate sauce. Finally, pour the blended drink into the glass and top it with the whipped cream and cookie shavings.
- Day 12: Stunning Sunsets
- Day 11: Gorgeous Atriums
