Raise Your Glass: The Best Champagne Bars at Sea

• A Toast to Travel: Whether it is a bon voyage toast or a sunset nightcap, a glass of chilled champagne is the ultimate way to mark your holiday.

• Something for Everyone: From the whimsical décor of Disney to the art-deco glamour of NCL, we reveal the most atmospheric venues to enjoy a glass of fizz.

• Perfect Pairings: Discover which bars serve complimentary tapas, fresh oysters, and caviar alongside your favourite vintage.

Cruise holidays provide the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply toasting to another fantastic day exploring the world, visiting a dedicated champagne bar is the perfect way to indulge.

In this article, we are setting sail on a sparkling journey to uncover the crème de la crème of venues. From modern and chic to traditional and nostalgic, here are the best places to hear that satisfying "pop" at sea.

1. The Champagne Lounge – Cunard

The Ship: Queen Mary 2

Cunard is known for its timeless elegance and maritime history, and they do not disappoint when it comes to the finer things in life.

• The Vibe: On the iconic Queen Mary 2, the Champagne Lounge offers traditional grandeur. Think warm wood furnishings, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that demands you dress up for the occasion.

• The Drink: Partnering with the prestigious brand Laurent-Perrier, Cunard offers an extensive collection of premium vintages.

• The View: The stunning ocean views make this a must-visit during the "Golden Hour" at sunset. You might even feel a little poignant as you raise your glass to the ship's legacy.

2. The Shelter – Silversea

The Ship: Silver Nova

Silversea is famous for its all-inclusive nature, meaning you can often enjoy premium brands without signing a bill.

• The Vibe: Located on the Sun Deck of Silver Nova, The Shelter is an intimate venue that feels elegant yet relaxed. It is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif while listening to live music.

• The Drink: Expect a wide selection from Moët Hennessy, including Krug Grande Cuvée, Dom Pérignon, and Veuve Clicquot.

• The Extras: If you prefer a cocktail, the mixologists here create stunning champagne-based concoctions.

Did you know? You aren't restricted to the bar. On Silversea, you can enjoy complimentary champagne in almost all public areas, including the Observation Lounge and Pool Bar.

3. Pink, Magnum’s & Gatsby’s – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

The Ships: Pride of America, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star

NCL offers an eclectic range of bars, each inspired by a specific era or destination.

• Pink’s (Pride of America): Inspired by Hawaii's Royal Palace Hotel (the "Pink Palace"), this bar is vibrant and fun.

• Magnum’s (Norwegian Pearl): With its soft orange hues and Art Deco design, this venue transports you straight to 1920s Paris.

• Gatsby’s (Norwegian Star): As the name suggests, expect classic motifs, glass, and chrome that evoke the roaring twenties.

4. Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar – Disney Cruise Line

The Ship: Disney Dream

Found in the adults-only district, this is a whimsical and festive venue that proves Disney isn't just for kids.

• The Décor: The interior is designed to look like the inside of a bottle of pink champagne. Look closely at the "bubbles" in the light fixtures—you might spot a dancing pink elephant from the movie Dumbo.

• The Menu: Choose from a wide selection of Taittinger and sparkling wines.

• Must-Try Cocktail: The Blue Angel (champagne, vodka, Cointreau, Blue Curacao, and lime) or the Absolutely Fabulous (champagne with raspberry puree).

5. The Champagne Bar – MSC Cruises

The Ship: MSC Virtuosa

This is perhaps the most visually stunning bar on our list.

• The Vibe: Located in the futuristic Infinity Atrium, this bar is chic, white, and incredibly sophisticated. It is the perfect place to sit back and watch the world go by.

• The Pairings: This venue takes indulgence to the next level. You aren't just ordering a drink; you are ordering an experience. The menu features an array of caviar, oysters, and crab designed specifically to pair with your glass of bubbles.

6. The Vines – Princess Cruises

The Ships: Grand Class and Royal Class Ships

While technically a wine bar, The Vines is a firm favourite for fizz lovers due to its incredible inventory.

• The Experience: Voted one of the "Best Wine Bars at Sea," this venue is chic yet welcoming.

• The Menu: You can order by the glass or opt for a "flight" to sample different vintages.

• The Food: The best part? Your drink often comes with complimentary gourmet nibbles, such as fresh sushi, tapas, or antipasti.

7. Bubbles – Royal Caribbean

The Ship: Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is known for innovation (like the Bionic Bar with its robot bartenders), but their newest concept is delightfully simple.

• The Venue: Bubbles is a walk-up champagne window located in the Central Park neighbourhood.

• The Vibe: Imagine strolling through a park with 12,000 real plants and trees, birds singing, and live guitar music playing. You simply walk up to the window, order a glass of Prosecco or a Bellini, and continue your evening stroll.

• Other Ships: On the Oasis Class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony), look out for the Trellis Bar in Central Park or Vintages wine bar for your fix of fizz.

8. Cellar Masters – Celebrity Cruises

The Ships: Solstice Class

For the true connoisseur, Cellar Masters offers a deep dive into the world of wine.

• The Tech: This venue features Enomatic wine dispensers. You simply swipe your cruise card and pour yourself a sample size, half-glass, or full glass of premium wines and champagnes that are usually only available by the bottle.

• The Selection: With over 400 wines from around the world and a dedicated sommelier on hand, you are guaranteed to find a new favourite label here.

Are you ready to raise a glass?

Cruise ship champagne bars are a fantastic way to elevate your holiday. Whether you are seeking romance, celebration, or just a really good glass of Moët, these ships have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is champagne included in my drinks package?

This depends entirely on the cruise line and the tier of package you have purchased. Generally, standard drinks packages will include sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava.

However, if you want premium French champagne (such as Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot) included by the glass, you usually need to upgrade to the highest tier beverage package (often called the "Premium", "Platinum" or "Ultimate" package).

2. Can children enter champagne bars?

On most family-friendly ships (like Royal Caribbean or MSC), children are allowed in almost all bars if accompanied by an adult, though they obviously cannot consume alcohol.

However, some specific venues are strictly adults-only. For example, Pink on the Disney Dream is located in "The District," which is exclusively for guests aged 18 and over in the evenings.

3. Can I bring my own champagne on board?

Yes, most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne on board on embarkation day (usually one 750ml bottle per adult). You can enjoy this in your cabin for free.

If you wish to drink your own bottle in a restaurant or bar, a corkage fee (usually between $15 and $25) will apply.

4. Is there a strict dress code for these bars?

For the most part, the dress code follows the general rule of the ship for that evening (usually Smart Casual).

However, venues like The Champagne Lounge on Cunard generally expect a smarter standard of dress in the evenings, particularly on Gala Nights.

It is always best to check your daily newsletter (or app) for the evening's requirements.