Ensemble Lounge

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Ensemble Lounge is a beautiful lounge on deck 5 of the Solstice Class ships. If you've only been on the Millennium Class ships I'd compare it with the Rendezvous Lounge, just minus a dance floor. Ensemble is known for its dark wood and dark furnishings. You must pass through it in order to get to many of the specialty restaurants. Sitting at the bar I've heard many people say "wow, I never knew this bar was here." It's apparent they're only discovering it on their way to specialty dining. Be sure to check it out. 

My favorite part of Ensemble Lounge is the piano! In the evenings there is always some sort of live music. Whether it is a solo guitarist, a pianist, or part of the orchestra it is always a treat and in such a nice and intimate setting. As much as we love the martini bar, sometimes we will finish our drink and grab a quick glass of wine or champagne at Ensemble before we head to dinner. It helps calm us and put us in a nice relaxing mood. 

Ensemble is a full service bar. They do have a blender but please do not order a frozen drink here and ruin the atmosphere. You will get plenty of glares trust me! They have a nice little wine selection, a few specialty drinks, and a good selection of spirits as well as beer. They have a nice scotch and whiskey selection so if you're looking for something a little better than you've seen elsewhere, check out Ensemble. 

I love sitting at the bar so that is where you'll find me. The bar stools are quite comfy here. They have lots of padding and tall backs so you'll be comfortable. Throughout the lounge, however, are sets of alcoves with couches and comfy chairs and a coffee / cocktail table in the center. There are also sections of two chairs centered around a small cocktail table. It is a true lounge. If you want to grab a seat on the couch, not to worry, the cocktail servers here are usually very quick to come over to you. They do have some little salty bar snacks to nibble on so be sure to ask for them if you don't see them. 

I've never seen Ensemble lounge packed. The only exception would be when they were using Ensemble Lounge for the elite cocktail party one cruise and between 5 and 7 it was chaos! So as long as that is not going on, which is pretty rare, usually Sky Lounge is used, you usually can find a seat. The most busy times, however, will be just before and after dinner when there is live music playing. 

You may also see Ensemble used for Trivia during the day as well. However, keep in mind during this time the bar is typically closed. It usually opens in the evening at 4 to 5pm. 

We typically go for wine or Champagne as we just want one drink while we listen to music and we typically pop in there after we've been drinking some. 

However, usually at least once per cruise Edward will try a unique scotch or bourbon while we're there.