Shaken or Stirred?

---

The Martini Bar's central location near the casino and close proximity to the MDR makes it a natural stop for many before and after dinner. You'll typically find us here before dinner sipping on a martini as we build our appetites for dinner. The bar features a refrigerated top that frosts over for a cool and cold look. The bartenders are trained for flair and will put on a show for you from flipping bottles to pouring 40+ martinis at once! So lets dive into some questions you may have. 

No you do not. While many people do order martinis, you will see many people order mixed drinks, liquor on the rocks/neat, or wine and beer. Keep in mind their selection of wine and beer here is limited, but if you're here with a group every night and there is something you want just ask them. They can usually stock it and have it ready for you. 

I've seen people order a Budweiser or a simple glass of Sauvignon Blanc (which are stocked behind the bar) and others ask for certain scotches that were at other bars. The staff has always accommodated. 

WORD OF ADVICE - Don't come at a mad rush and order something they don't have. They'll usually say sorry we don't have it, but some might run and get it for you and it slows the bar down. Instead, go at a slow time. Tell the bartender what you like to drink and say you'll be at the bar every night and ask them if they can make that drink available for you They'll usually accommodate. FYI there are NO FROZEN drinks at this bar so don't even ask! 

With the exception of a couple "mini" martinis, all of the martinis are above the classic package meaning they're above $9. But they are $13 or under so they fall into the premium package. If you're getting anything else at the bar such as a beer, wine, or something on the rocks or a mixed drink the prices will be the same as any other bar on board. 

The Martini Bar makes an oval shape and there is seating all around the bar. There are also low tables and alcoves behind and around the bar if you have a large group or simply do not want to sit at the bar. There are cocktail servers that will go around and take your order if you're sitting at one of these tables. If you don't get attention quickly just try to grab the bartenders attention and they can send someone over. Or you can stand and order your drink and then bring it to the table. 

Personally, we ALWAYS sit at the bar. It gives us a chance to do three things... 1) Better and quicker service. 2) We get to know the bartenders and talk with them. They know us after the first day and know our order. 3) We get to meet so many other passengers on the ship. Of all the bars on the ship I've found passengers at the Martini Bar to be the most talkative. Maybe its the liquor talking?

This can vary from cruise to cruise, but typically the bar always has a good crowd. It will be the most busy however, just before the big dinner times. Typically right around 5:30 to 6:00pm it is very busy and will then clear out between 6:15 and 6:30 as people head to dinner. You'll then see the same happen before the late seating. However, at that point the early diners are letting out and they may hit the bar so then it may become very busy. As a rule of thumb, however, the times just before dinner and shows start are the best time to head to the bar as people will be leaving and making their way to dinner or the show. 

I am a creature of habit and take pride in that. I order Ketel One, Up, with a twist. Edward will usually do the same, but occasionally will have it on the rocks. We always get a sparkling water on the side as well. Need to stay hydrated! 

We also enjoy their larger vodka selection. Christiana is a great vodka they have that we will usually get on the rocks. 

I don't drink the martinis on the martini menu because most of them are sweet and that is just not my thing. However, I do like the Blu martini, which used to be called the Cognac Blu martini a long time ago. You can also get an espresso martini which makes for a nice dessert drink! 

I've noticed others have really enjoyed the Lychee martini which I've tasted and was very refreshing.