Caffeine And Cruising: A Guide to Coffee On A Cruise In 2023″

by | May 3, 2023 | Cruise Travel Tips

Introduction

Cruising has become a popular way to travel for many people around the world. And for those of us who love coffee, the question of what kind of coffee we can expect on board becomes an important one.

Luckily, most cruise lines offer a wide variety of coffee options, from basic drip coffee to specialty drinks made by skilled baristas. In this blog post, we will explore the coffee options available on different cruise lines and what to expect when it comes to coffee on a cruise.

Coffee Served On The Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, and they offer a range of coffee options on board their ships.

For those who want to start their day with a cup of coffee, the Lido Deck restaurant serves hot coffee from early morning until late at night. This coffee is brewed in large batches and served in self-serve carafes, so it's perfect for those who just need a quick pick-me-up.

Carnival also has their own coffee brand, called JavaBlue, which is served in all of their specialty restaurants and cafes.

JavaBlue offers a range of coffee drinks, from lattes and cappuccinos to iced coffee and frappes.

For those who want something a bit stronger, Carnival also offers a range of alcoholic coffee drinks, including Irish coffee and spiked coffee.

Royal Caribbean is another popular cruise line that offers a variety of coffee options on board.

Like Carnival, they offer basic drip coffee in their cafes and restaurants, but they also have their own specialty coffee brand, called Cafe Promenade.

Cafe Promenade serves a range of coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee.

One unique feature of Cafe Promenade is that they offer a complimentary coffee and pastry service every morning, which is perfect for those who want to grab a quick breakfast on the go.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers Starbucks on board some of their ships, which is great news for those who are loyal to the coffee giant.

Norwegian Cruise Line is another popular cruise line that offers a range of coffee options on board.

Norwegian offers drip coffee in their cafes and restaurants, but they also have their own coffee brand, called Atrium Cafe.

Atrium Cafe offers a range of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee. Additionally, Norwegian offers a specialty coffee bar, called The Coffee Bar, which serves a range of gourmet coffee drinks.

The Coffee Bar is perfect for those who want to relax with a specialty coffee while enjoying the views from the ship's deck.

Princess Cruises is another popular cruise line that offers a variety of coffee options on board. Princess offers basic drip coffee in their cafes and restaurants, but they also have their own coffee brand, called The Mix.

The Mix offers a range of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee. Additionally, Princess offers a specialty coffee bar, called the International Cafe, which serves a range of gourmet coffee drinks and pastries.

The International Cafe is perfect for those who want to relax with a specialty coffee while reading a book or chatting with friends.

Coffee Machines In Rooms

In addition to the coffee options available in cafes and restaurants on board, many cruise lines also offer coffee machines in their rooms.

These coffee machines are perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfort of their own cabin.

Some cruise lines, like Holland America Line, offer coffee machines in all of their cabins, while others, like Princess Cruises, only offer them in their suites. If having a coffee machine in your room is important to you, be sure to check with the cruise line before booking your trip.

Specialty Coffee Drinks

Specialty coffee drinks are a big part of the coffee experience on a cruise, and most cruise lines offer a range of specialty coffee drinks that go beyond basic drip coffee. These drinks are typically made by skilled baristas and are a step up from the coffee you'll find in the self-serve stations around the ship.

Some popular specialty coffee drinks include lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas. Many cruise lines also offer iced coffee drinks, like iced lattes and iced mochas, which are perfect for sipping on a hot day while enjoying the sun on the deck.

If you're a coffee lover who can't live without your daily Starbucks fix, you'll be happy to know that some cruise lines have partnered with Starbucks to bring their coffee on board.

Royal Caribbean, for example, has Starbucks on board some of their ships, while Princess Cruises has partnered with a different coffee chain, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

These partnerships are great news for those who are loyal to these brands and can't go a day without their favorite coffee.

When it comes to coffee brands served on board, many cruise lines have their own in-house coffee brands that are served in their cafes and restaurants. These brands are often specially roasted for the cruise line and may not be available outside of the ship.

Some popular in-house coffee brands include JavaBlue on Carnival Cruise Line, Cafe Promenade on Royal Caribbean, and Atrium Cafe on Norwegian Cruise Line.

In addition to in-house coffee brands, many cruise lines also serve well-known coffee brands like Starbucks, Illy, and Lavazza. These brands are typically found in specialty coffee bars on board and are often priced higher than the coffee you'll find in the self-serve stations around the ship. If you're a coffee snob who only drinks the best of the best, be sure to ask the barista what kind of coffee they're using before ordering your drink.

Prepaid Beverage Packages

Many cruise lines offer beverage packages that include a wide range of drinks, including alcoholic beverages, sodas, and specialty coffees.

These packages can be a great way to save money on drinks while on board and can be especially appealing to coffee lovers who enjoy a variety of specialty coffee drinks throughout the day.

Beverage packages typically work by offering unlimited drinks for a set price per day.

The exact cost of the package and the drinks included can vary depending on the cruise line, but most packages include a range of specialty coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a beverage package that includes specialty coffee drinks is the value of the package. While these packages can be a great way to save money on drinks while on board, they can also be expensive. Be sure to weigh the cost of the package against the value you'll receive before making a purchase.

Beverage packages that include specialty coffee drinks can be a great way to save money on drinks while on board a cruise ship.

These packages typically offer unlimited drinks for a set price per day and can include a range of specialty coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. However, it's important to keep in mind that the quality of the coffee can vary depending on the ship and the barista making it, and that these packages can be expensive.

Be sure to weigh the cost of the package against the value you'll receive before making a purchase, and read the fine print to ensure that the package will meet your needs while on board. Happy cruising, and may your coffee always be hot and delicious!

It's also worth noting that beverage packages can be restrictive in terms of where and when you can get drinks on board.

Some packages may only be valid at certain bars or during certain hours, so be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.In conclusion, coffee on a cruise is a big deal for many coffee lovers.

Most cruise lines offer a range of coffee options, from basic drip coffee to specialty drinks made by skilled baristas. In-house coffee brands are common on most cruise lines, and some even have partnerships with well-known coffee chains like Starbucks.

Some packages may also include extras like flavored syrups, whipped cream, or extra shots of espresso.

Keep In Mind..

One thing to keep in mind when considering a beverage package that includes specialty coffee drinks is that the quality of the coffee can vary depending on the ship and the barista making it.

While most cruise lines have trained baristas on board, there have been complaints from coffee lovers who were disappointed with the quality of the coffee on board.

If you're a coffee snob who is particular about the quality of your coffee, it may be worth trying a few different cafes and bars on board to find your favorite spot.

In Conclusion:

Finally, it's important to remember that while coffee is an important part of the cruise experience for many people, it's not the only thing that matters.

There are plenty of other things to do and see on board, from swimming pools and water slides to Broadway-style shows and fine dining restaurants.

So, while it's worth seeking out a good cup of coffee on board, don't let it consume your entire trip. Make sure to take time to enjoy all of the other amazing experiences that cruising has to offer.

I love, love, love my morning latte's.  My last Royal Caribbean cruise, I was able to get my caffeine fixes in the main dining room, and the Windjammer at meal times.  During the day, the Cafe Promenade was there for my afternoon Vanilla latte and a cookie.