I just returned from a fabulous cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. Touted the ‘World’s Best Family Vacation,” we left from Port Canaveral for a 4-day cruise in the Bahamas. Our one port-of-call was ‘A Perfect Day at CocoCay’.

During a day at sea, I attended an informative and immersive food and beverage discussion led by Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director of Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises. I learned that the ships has over 20 bars and lounges making refreshing cocktails and mocktails. Each themed venue is a colorful and entertaining space. Many provide live music, some are located in the different poolside neighborhoods, and all have comfortable spaces to relax with friends.

Eiswirth proudly discusses the 9 new cocktails created specifically for the Star of the Seas. He also shared that there are a handful of new mocktails for those seeking a fun beverage sans alcohol.

One of the most unique food and beverage pairing venues on the ship is the elegant new Lincoln Park Supper Club. It also offers one of the newest cocktail programs onboard. “It’s a multi-course meal paying homage to Chicago’s Supper Clubs,” said Eiswirth. “Guests are served 10-courses paired with six cocktails, as live jazz music enhances the atmosphere and vibe.”

Names of the cocktail menu pay homage to Chicago, such as the ‘Mickey Finn,’ made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, small- batch Black Infusions black fig liqueur, and chicory pecan bitters. 

Over at the Dueling Pianos lounge, bartenders make a bright red colored ‘snap, crackle, pop! cocktail’ The Beefeater London Dry gin base is enhanced with lime juice, simple syrup, grenadine and pineapple juice. It’s garnished with a bag of Pop Rock candy for a popping beverage experience.

The 1400 Lobby Bar is a dedication to the pioneering spirit of innovation championed by Royal Caribbean for seven years of work, and thousands of team members from around the world, building a ship the world has never seen before. “Inspired by the lobby’s enormous ‘Pearl’ structure, the tequila based ‘Fourteen Hundred’ shimmers like a pearl,” said Eiswirth. A large translucent bubble crowns this cocktail. When it pops, smoke vapors away from the glass. 

Rye & Bean at the AquaDome is a coffee and tea bar during the day, that later is a popular Espresso Martini, Coffee Mai-Tai and flavorful non-alcoholic Espresso ‘No-tini’ spot. 

Instagram-worthy milkshakes are skillfully blended at ‘Desserted Milkshake Bar’ in Thrill Island. “Kids love the toppings, and we can make these into adult shakes too with a shot of vanilla vodka,” said Eiswirth. 

Since Old-Fashioneds are so popular, Eiswirth and his team created a whimsical spin to this classic drink. “Guests love the Marshmallow Old-Fashioned offered at the Schooner Bar.”

There are also some ‘star-worthy’ beverages for little sailors. The Blue Raspberry Ocean is made with house-made lemonade, blue raspberry syrup and Swedish Fish floating inside a clear bag with a sipping straw. 

“We offer a variety of non-alcohol and alcohol packages ranging from $70 to $105 per day,” said Eiswirth. “Guests can sip any cocktail or beverage priced under $14. If the cost is more than $14, the guest just has to pay the difference.” About 78% of guests purchase a drink package on shorter weekend cruises. “These cruises appeal to a younger demographic, seeking a more party atmosphere.”

The Star of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Each cruise has a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

This review was also featured in Porthole Cruise & Travel .