The cruise world's 9 coolest onboard bars

Finding a good bar in the middle of the ocean? Not as hard as you might think, thanks to some pretty darn cool cruise ship watering holes. Running the gamut from ultra-sleek martini bars to vibrant pubs with a Caribbean vibe, these are some of the coolest onboard bars, the perfect picks for enjoying happy hour (or, really, any hour) on the high seas.

Royal Caribbean International

Rising Tide Bar

Go from point A to point B, and enjoy a drink along the way! Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, you can find yourself in an elevator and a bar at the same time, as their Rising Tide bar links deck 5 with deck 8.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Svedka& Inniskillin Ice Bar

Looking for a spot to chill out? Head straight to Norwegian’s Svedka & Inniskillin Ice Bar. Inspired by ice hotels in Scandinavia, this brrrrreathtaking arctic hangout is kept at a brisk 17° to keep the walls, seats, and glasses from melting.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Galleria Tastings & Martini Bar

Another great spot to keep cool: Celebrity’s Martini Bar & Crush. While sitting at the ice-topped bar, you’ll enjoy bartenders who make a show of preparing martinis – classic and contemporary – and a portfolio of fine caviars.

Carnival Cruise Line

RedFrog Pub

Get on island time! In Carnival’s RedFrog Pub, you’ll feel like you’re dead-smack in the middle of oh-so-fun Key West, where the atmosphere is ultra-laid-back, the music is lively, and the private-label brew is delicious.

Princess Cruises

Wheelhouse Bar

Love whiskey? Then Princess might just be the cruise line for you. Inside their signature Wheelhouse Bar, guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, plush seating, and sampling from the menu’s 56 whiskies.

MSC Cruises

Top Sail Lounge

It’s a living room! It’s a lookout! It’s a bar! Aboard the MSC Divina, Yacht Club members can enjoy their choice of beverages in the super-comfortable, crowd-free Top Sail Lounge, which touts a stunning 180-degree sea view.

Cunard Cruises

Golden Lion

Raise a pint at the Golden Lion, a true Cunard “favourite.” Here, passengers can relax in a cozy atmosphere complete with all the hallmarks of a traditional British pub: hearty ales, crisp ciders, and belly-warming dishes.

Disney Cruise Line

Diversions, O’Gill’s, 678

Get your game face on and head to one of Disney’s lively sports bars – Diversions, O’Gills Pub, or 687 Pub – where you can watch your favorite teams, play a round of trivia, and sip a frothy draft brew.

Connoisseur’s Corner

Perfect for those cigar enthusiasts out there, the Silversea fleet (with the exception of the expedition vessels) brings you the Connoisseur’s Corner – a clubby lounge where you can sample fine cognacs and enjoy some smoke on the water.

Ready to try these bars for yourself? Find your cruise at Orbitz Cruises today.