The Pool Bar
Too bad the bar isn't in the pool!
The Pool Bar is definitely the most popular mid day on a sea day when it is hot and sunny! These bartenders work hard to get drinks out quickly so sometimes a little patience is required when you're on vacation but that shouldn't be hard to muster up right? You'd be surprised at some people.
The Pool Bar is located...can you guess? Right by the pool! It makes for great people watching and you'll typically run into a lot of people you've seen around the ship as they'll come up and order a drink and then head back to their lounger. Here are some FAQ and tips regarding the infamous pool bar.
What drinks are available?
As with most bars on the ship they have a pretty wide selection. You can get any basic mixed drink you want and all the frozen drinks that are available on the ship. If I'm here in the morning I'm ordering a screw driver and many others are ordering bloody marys (or bloody cesars). I've even seen people order Johnny Walker Black at 9am so feel free to order whatever you want!
They will have a good beer selection here too. They typically have a few craft beers and one or two beers on draft which I've noticed have been Heineken & Heineken light on recent cruises.
Want a virgin drink? Not a problem. Just say virgin loudly so they hear you, but they're used to that here as there are many people laying by the pool who simply don't want alcohol and many kids who come up to the bar too.
Can I walk up to the bar in my bathing suit?
Yes you can. It is the pool bar after all so the "no shirt - no shoes - no service" rule does not apply here.
When is the pool bar open?
The pool bar has some of the longest hours of bars on the ship. You'll see it typically open at 9am but sometimes at 8:30am and will typically stay open until the pool closes around 9pm or so. There may be a pool party, etc. at which time the pool bar will likely be open and there will be other portable bars arounds too.
If I'm laying by the pool are there cocktail servers?
Yes, there are pool bar servers that come around and take orders. For a while Celebrity didn't have many, but in recent cruises I've noticed there have been more and they've become better. You can order anything from the pool bar with these servers, even if you only want a bottle of water. Usually they'll be grabbing a handful of orders so it may take a few minutes longer than normal but you shouldn't have to wait too long. Just remember to have your sea pass card ready to hand them when they TAKE the order.
Tips & Tricks for the Pool Bar!
1) KNOW WHAT YOU WANT! The pool bar gets busy so when you head up there know what you want so the bartender doesn't have to wait there while you decide. This helps expedite service and keeps you on their good side.
2) BE COURTEOUS OF OTHERS AT THE BAR AND WHO CAME FIRST - Many times the bartender may not know who came first and may turn to you because you're closer. Make sure to be nice and let them know the other person was first. You're on vacation and this is not a crowded club in NYC or Chicago. No need to cut in line. The bartenders will respect you for it.
3) ALWAYS BE EMPATHETIC WITH THE BARTENDERS - They're making a lot of drinks and taking extra time to make that mojito or find that special liquor for you in the back storage is a pain, so make sure you smile, say thank you and chat them up a bit. It will put a smile on their face and make their day go quicker which in turn gets you much better service.
4) Try not just ordering a drink and leaving Sit at the pool bar for a bit, have a drink, and if you can chat with the bartenders. They'll get to know you and your drink order and you'll be amazed how that drink will randomly appear in front of you even when its packed to the gills!