Favorite Drink Onboard

[Floski]

In the R Bar right now. First place we hit was the Solarium bar and then into the hot tub!

[Todd]

In the R Bar right now. First place we hit was the Solarium bar and then into the hot tub!

 

Sounds like a great place to be right about now..... enjoy your trip.

[firegal2539]

I don't drink alcohol either so it would have to be a Pepsi. If I do try an alcoholic drink it is Bailey's Irish Creme over ice but Raye I think I have to try the Pina Colada made with Amaretto when I cruise in May.

 

Candie

[DocLC]

I don't drink alcohol either so it would have to be a Pepsi. If I do try an alcoholic drink it is Bailey's Irish Creme over ice but Raye I think I have to try the Pina Colada made with Amaretto when I cruise in May.

 

Candie

You're not going to find Pepsi on Royal Caribbean.

[Wanderer]

Does anyone know is there a possibility to get a good Scotch for dessert in MDR? I really enjoy good quality Scotch after a good meal on restaurants onshore. Laphroaig 10y will usually be my first choice. Any change that I will be able to get either that or some other good Scotch after dinner on MDR and will that be included to my deluxe beverage package?

[FManke]

26 minutes ago, Wanderer said:

Does anyone know is there a possibility to get a good Scotch for dessert in MDR? I really enjoy good quality Scotch after a good meal on restaurants onshore. Laphroaig 10y will usually be my first choice. Any change that I will be able to get either that or some other good Scotch after dinner on MDR and will that be included to my deluxe beverage package?

You can the onboard menus under the menus tab on the home page. That will give you an idea of some of the liquors carried on specific ships. 

[lildawgscottFL]

1 hour ago, Wanderer said:

Does anyone know is there a possibility to get a good Scotch for dessert in MDR? I really enjoy good quality Scotch after a good meal on restaurants onshore. Laphroaig 10y will usually be my first choice. Any change that I will be able to get either that or some other good Scotch after dinner on MDR and will that be included to my deluxe beverage package?

There definitely is Scotch on board and it is definitely included in your Premium Drink Package. Have no fear! Defining "good Scotch" is an individual thing. For me, I "settle" for their selections of decent Scotches. They used to have a few better ones, but quality has declined in recent years. As for getting it in the MDR after dinner, my experience is that you are better off leaving the MDR, getting it at a nearby bar, and then returning to your table. Or, simply wait until you have left the MDR. The bar service in the MDR is notoriously slow. (The bar service in specialty restaurants - Chops, 150, etc. - is significantly faster, but still slower than one would like.) The other option you have is to discuss your desire with your wait staff. These guys and gals are usually incredible!! Truly the soul of the MDR. Let them know this is something you will want every night and most of these fine people will make sure it is done for you. They are very good at learning behaviors, habits, likes, dislikes, etc., but they are even better when you help them learn by simply telling them! Just remember, you are asking them for a little something extra. Reflect a little something extra in their gratuity! Finally, as for selections on each specific ship, listen to FManke's advice and search this blog for the menus. That is your best bet. Other than that, you can stay apprised by joining groups on Facebook and simply asking people who just got off of your cruise ship.

Hope that helps.

[Wanderer]

7 minutes ago, DisneyBartenderScott said:

There definitely is Scotch on board and it is definitely included in your Premium Drink Package. Have no fear! Defining "good Scotch" is an individual thing. For me, I "settle" for their selections of decent Scotches. They used to have a few better ones, but quality has declined in recent years. As for getting it in the MDR after dinner, my experience is that you are better off leaving the MDR, getting it at a nearby bar, and then returning to your table. Or, simply wait until you have left the MDR. The bar service in the MDR is notoriously slow. (The bar service in specialty restaurants - Chops, 150, etc. - is significantly faster, but still slower than one would like.) The other option you have is to discuss your desire with your wait staff. These guys and gals are usually incredible!! Truly the soul of the MDR. Let them know this is something you will want every night and most of these fine people will make sure it is done for you. They are very good at learning behaviors, habits, likes, dislikes, etc., but they are even better when you help them learn by simply telling them! Just remember, you are asking them for a little something extra. Reflect a little something extra in their gratuity! Finally, as for selections on each specific ship, listen to FManke's advice and search this blog for the menus. That is your best bet. Other than that, you can stay apprised by joining groups on Facebook and simply asking people who just got off of your cruise ship.

Hope that helps.

Thanks! That was very informative and was good help. I will definitely try to tell my desire our waiter on day one. If he/she is able to provide to me my special Scotch from that evening onwards he/she definitely deserves and gets extra gratuity.

[DocLC]

2 hours ago, Wanderer said:

Does anyone know is there a possibility to get a good Scotch for dessert in MDR? I really enjoy good quality Scotch after a good meal on restaurants onshore. Laphroaig 10y will usually be my first choice. Any change that I will be able to get either that or some other good Scotch after dinner on MDR and will that be included to my deluxe beverage package?

You might find it more efficient to bring the Scotch from a bar with you into the MDR. That way, you'll have it when you want it. If you wait to order it with dessert, there could be a wait and the same selection might not be available.

I've pretty much have given up on cappuccinos at dinner as the wait for them has become too long, unless at a specialty restaurant, and they're simply better at the coffee bar anyways.

[WAAAYTOOO]

I wouldn't hold my breath for a Laphroaig of any vintage.  Dewar is their rail Scotch and they will McCallum in the casino but beyond that, it's pretty slim pickin's for Scotch.  I don't drink it (I think it stinks to high heaven...particularly those peaty Scotches from Islay) but Dan is a Scotch drinker....the stinkier, the better.  UGH

We went through this a number of months ago with Billy.  I'm sure he will chim in when he gets here.

Sometimes the bigger ships will have a better Scotch selection in the pub but they're fairly hard to come by.

[Wanderer]

4 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I wouldn't hold my breath for a Laphroaig of any vintage.  Dewar is their rail Scotch and they will McCallum in the casino but beyond that, it's pretty slim pickin's for Scotch.  I don't drink it (I think it stinks to high heaven...particularly those peaty Scotches from Islay) but Dan is a Scotch drinker....the stinkier, the better.  UGH

We went through this a number of months ago with Billy.  I'm sure he will chim in when he gets here.

Sometimes the bigger ships will have a better Scotch selection in the pub but they're fairly hard to come by.

Nothing beats that smoky peaty aroma of Islay Scotchs .  I do know it is a matter of taste and some love it and some can't stand of it but to me...

[monorailmedic]

RCI doesn't stock Laphroaig *but* I did find a bottle of Laphroaig 10 on Allure of the Seas last year (perhaps a special request or an officer).  Ships with pubs now stock Ardbeg 10.  I personally have social engineered some request and have Ardbeg or Laphroaig on every sailing, though with the  new pub menu that is less of a concern.  On Empress in May they brough on Ardbeg Uigeadail for me, which also fits the bill nicely.

[Bob_KY]

Bourbon..  Woodford Reserve or Bookers - neat. Higher end bourbons (like Scotch lovers point out their favorites ) are in short supply.  

[lildawgscottFL]

5 hours ago, Bob_KY said:

Bourbon..  Woodford Reserve or Bookers - neat. Higher end bourbons (like Scotch lovers point out their favorites ) are in short supply.  

Sad, but true, I'm afraid.

[lildawgscottFL]

15 hours ago, monorailmedic said:

RCI doesn't stock Laphroaig *but* I did find a bottle of Laphroaig 10 on Allure of the Seas last year (perhaps a special request or an officer).  Ships with pubs now stock Ardbeg 10.  I personally have social engineered some request and have Ardbeg or Laphroaig on every sailing, though with the  new pub menu that is less of a concern.  On Empress in May they brough on Ardbeg Uigeadail for me, which also fits the bill nicely.

3

If I ever found Ardbeg Uigeadail, I'd be in heaven! I did find Talisker Storm though on Harmony (or maybe Navigator). But, it's like you're alluding to, make friends with the bartenders! They can find things that they can hide away just for you. My R Bar staff was the best and they did that for me!

[Bob_KY]

Question - Have you ever asked for a Scotch or Bourbon and the response is "we have Jack Daniels"?

3 hours ago, DisneyBartenderScott said:

Sad, but true, I'm afraid.

When that happens, this happens...   :-)

[lildawgscottFL]

3 hours ago, Bob_KY said:

Question - Have you ever asked for a Scotch or Bourbon and the response is "we have Jack Daniels"?

When that happens, this happens...   :-)

Jack Daniels is the McDonald's of booze - it's ubiquitous, it's reasonably priced, it tastes fine, but nothing to write home about, and it's got brand recognition. Thus, every bar carries it, just like they all carry Johnny Black and Smirnoff and Bacardi. Unfortunately, it's not the bars' fault - it is the fault of the uneducated consumer. Hence, I drink Jack when they have nothing else available, and Smirnoff and Bacardi - NEVER JWB!!! Yuck!

[KLA]

[dkirksmith]

Oh man, here we go:  (1) Lava Flow; (2) Mudslide; (3) Strawberry / Banana Colada.  As you can probably tell I like sweet drinks.  And the Mudslide with vodka, Bailey's chocolate and kahlua is amazing.

[themillennialcruiser]

FROZEN MOJITO & CHOCOLATE MARTINI

[fonemanbob]

Hendricks gin and tonic with a slice of cucumber.   Or a  highland park scotch on the rocks.  I have had some incredible drinks while cruising.  I will say to the bartender make me your favorite drink OR make me something unusual.   What works great is I will go to the bar and slip a gratuity to the bartender and then ask one of those questions.   The wife and I will sit at the bar and engage in conversation with the bartender and guests.  The bartenders have a great memory.  Having a good rapport  works wonders.   That is also why we like to get to the dock very early.   

[Jason.H.]

Oasis had Blanton's single barrel bourbon a couple weeks ago. I think I got my moneys worth from the drink package off that alone. So good. They even let me keep the horse stopper on top after the bottle was finished to add to my collection. (which now consists of two..not much of a collection lol)

[rjac]

4 hours ago, Jason.H. said:

Oasis had Blanton's single barrel bourbon a couple weeks ago. I think I got my moneys worth from the drink package off that alone. So good. They even let me keep the horse stopper on top after the bottle was finished to add to my collection. (which now consists of two..not much of a collection lol)

Jason,

If you can find it, I recommend Old Weller 107 and Buffalo Trace. Both most excellent bourbons, but damn near impossible to find (especially here in NC). 

[Jason.H.]

18 minutes ago, rjac said:

Jason,

If you can find it, I recommend Old Weller 107 and Buffalo Trace. Both most excellent bourbons, but damn near impossible to find (especially here in NC). 

They had buffalo trace at multiple bars on the ship but did not see the old weller. We booked the oasis again for next september 9, 2018 so I'll look for it then!

[rjac]

20 minutes ago, Jason.H. said:

They had buffalo trace at multiple bars on the ship but did not see the old weller. We booked the oasis again for next september 9, 2018 so I'll look for it then!

I found Buffalo Trace at the Schooner Bar this past March on the Serenade and that was the only bar on the ship that had it, one bottle. The liquor store on board the ship had it stocked and I grabbed four bottles to take home. 

[mamabdw]

For the morning, nothing beats a spicy Bloody Mary. Out by the pool I'm drinking a frozen mojito, and I'll normally take something like a martini to a show, since I can sip on it for quite a while. But really, pretty much any drink on a cruise is my favorite drink

 

I'm not a huge gin drinker but I have found myself becoming a fan of The Botanist gin that seems to be stocked at most the bars on board.

[BrianAlt]

On 9/19/2017 at 4:29 PM, fonemanbob said:

Hendricks gin and tonic with a slice of cucumber.   Or a  highland park scotch on the rocks.  I have had some incredible drinks while cruising.  I will say to the bartender make me your favorite drink OR make me something unusual.   What works great is I will go to the bar and slip a gratuity to the bartender and then ask one of those questions.   The wife and I will sit at the bar and engage in conversation with the bartender and guests.  The bartenders have a great memory.  Having a good rapport  works wonders.   That is also why we like to get to the dock very early.   

No more Hendricks.  

[BrianAlt]

On 9/22/2017 at 12:41 PM, mamabdw said:

I'm not a huge gin drinker but I have found myself becoming a fan of The Botanist gin that seems to be stocked at most the bars on board.

That's what I mostly drank last week.

[fonemanbob]

Thanks for the tip. Must admit I have not seen or heard of the Botanist.  Then again living in Tennessee  shelf space in stores is eaten up by numerous moonshine flavors and of course Jack Daniels.  I will look for it on my travels over the holidays.

[twangster]

Harmony last week had Ardbeg at some bars and Lagavulin at the suite bar.  

My goto drink on this cruise became the Frozen Lemonade.  It was hot and this vodka based drink fit the sunny afternoon requirement perfectly.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

Dan discovered the Lagavulin at the Suites lounge when we were on a couple of weeks ago.  The bartender said nobody ever drinks it.  He changed that....

[twangster]

Lagavulin is my favorite scotch of all time.  Toured the distillery in 2008.  Celebrity claimed they had it and was bummed when we found none on board.  I was very pleased to see it on Harmony 

[WAAAYTOOO]

We have friends who just returned from Islay.  They got tours of all 8 distilleries.  I think Scotch smells like as* but Dan loves his Scotch. Yuk !

??

[lildawgscottFL]

19 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Dan discovered the Lagavulin at the Suites lounge when we were on a couple of weeks ago.  The bartender said nobody ever drinks it.  He changed that....

I would have polished off the bottle! The drink package + single-malt scotch = heavenly indulgence!!

[bcarney]

I'm a rum drinker and occasionally find something worth drinking straight; usually it's a sweet variety like Ron Zacapa, but it'll do.  Favorite mixed drink is the Mango Habanero Daiquiri which can be found in the Schooner Bar.

 

[ellcee]

1 hour ago, bcarney said:

usually it's a sweet variety like Ron Zacapa, but it'll do.

I just learned about Zacapa from my Swedish friends on my last cruise. I'd never drank rum straight before, it's lovely.

[rjac]

1 hour ago, bcarney said:

I'm a rum drinker and occasionally find something worth drinking straight; usually it's a sweet variety like Ron Zacapa, but it'll do.  Favorite mixed drink is the Mango Habanero Daiquiri which can be found in the Schooner Bar.

 

What do you think about Pyrat rum on the rocks? It's a sweet one. 

[bcarney]

2 hours ago, ellcee said:

I just learned about Zacapa from my Swedish friends on my last cruise. I'd never drank rum straight before, it's lovely.

IIRC you're from Oz, right?  I've not tried it, but my understanding is that Bundaberg Dark Oak is splendid.  It's probably not as sweet as Ron Zacapa, but it would make a nice sipper.

[bcarney]

1 hour ago, rjac said:

What do you think about Pyrat rum on the rocks? It's a sweet one. 

I bought a bottle once, about 6 years ago.  Good for mixing tropical drinks, but the orange was a bit overwhelming to me.  But I can see where it would fit well in tiki recipes that call for that type of citrus notes.

[rjac]

56 minutes ago, bcarney said:

the orange was a bit overwhelming

Interesting, I never really noticed an overwhelming orange flavor. Guess I'll have to get a bottle tomorrow and "test" it for citrus notes.