Considered the best cruise lines for families, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean keep family vacations and cruises with kids at the center of their businesses. But that doesn't mean that bars aren't also a big focus of attention.
Beverages represent a large portion of any cruise line's onboard revenue and beverage programs are constantly evolving to keep passengers drinking. In recent years, there has been a big shift from piña coladas and umbrella drinks to more creative cocktails and premium offerings to increase beverage profits.
Related: Royal Caribbean Passenger Shares Tip to 'Get Over the Beverage Package'
With the increasing popularity of sober and sober-curious lifestyles, especially among the younger generations, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages is increasing. This trend has led cruise lines to further diversify their bar offerings, developing sophisticated mocktails to ensure that sober cruisers are not left out.
Some cruise lines have also noted that trendy non-alcoholic beverages may also be an attractive option for teenagers who want to join their parents or older relatives for a sip at a cruise bar during their vacation.
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Royal Caribbean designs family bars
Royal Caribbean's director of beverage operations, Ed Eiswirth, has said the cruise line aims to make bars a family affair aboard its new Icon Class megaships while offering an elevated experience for passengers, whether they drink alcohol or not.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has more than 15 bars and nightlife venues and each bar offers a selection of scratch-proof cocktail options, such as a Shirley Ginger and a Tropical Crush drink made with Red Bull Yellow Edition.
Related: Royal Caribbean embraces a new beverage trend
In the ship's Surfside neighborhood, designed specifically for families with kids, The Lemon Post bar is a next-level lemonade stand. It offers a full menu of non-alcoholic drinks for kids developed by mixologists, as well as a separate menu for adults.
Royal Caribbean helps boost its beverage sales among sober passengers with an additional beverage package that includes unlimited mocktails. The Refreshment Package includes all mocktails along with soft drinks, smoothies, juices, bottled water, and premium coffees and teas.
An unlimited alcoholic beverage package, the Deluxe Beverage Package, is also available, as well as a less expensive Classic Soda Package.
Disney Cruise Line also adopts zero-proof cocktails
While Disney Cruise Line doesn't offer alcohol packages like Royal Caribbean and most other major cruise lines, it doesn't skimp on cocktails and mocktails, nor on the bars and lounges on board its entire fleet. From adults-only themed bars to charming nightclubs, Disney cruises become a playground for parents in the evenings.
Like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line has added zero-proof cocktails to the menus of its cruise bars, lounges and restaurants, offering a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like a No Way Frosé and a zero-proof New In Fashion made the old way. with Free Spirits non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.
Related: Price comparison between Disney and Royal Caribbean cruises
Most Disney cruise bars also feature at least one zero-proof signature cocktail exclusive to that location.
Passengers aboard the Disney Wish ship rave about the stellar mocktail options in the ship's immersive Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge. The bar's popular Cloud City zero-proof cocktail is made with oat milk, blue raspberry, and galaxy ice cream. It also serves a Temple Twist mocktail made with apple, mint, pineapple, ginger beer and kiwi.
Related: Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises add magical experiences
A new Haunted Mansion-themed bar will soon welcome foolish mortals when Disney's Treasure Ship sets sail starting in December, bringing ghostly new cocktails and mocktails for brave souls to try. With a new Sympathetic Libations zero-proof cocktail, passengers can enjoy flavors of tart cherry and blood orange in a special tiki mug.
The new Disney Treasure ship also features other bars inspired by classic Disney Parks attractions: the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – Submarine Voyage-themed Periscope Pub, and Skipper Society, a Jungle Cruise-themed lounge. There is also a piano bar inspired by the classic Disney film, “The Aristocats.”
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