Craft Beer On A Cruise

by | Apr 30, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

Craft Beer On A Cruise

Craft beer has been taking the world by storm for the last few years, with more and more people looking to sample and enjoy the wide range of unique and complex flavors that craft beer has to offer.

As a result, many cruise lines have started to include craft beer as part of their onboard beverage offerings.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the world of craft beer on a cruise and what you can expect to find onboard.

What Is Craft Beer?

Small, independent breweries that focus on creating extraordinary beer with quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques are what define craft beer. They give these brews unique flavors and an unforgettable taste.

This means that craft beer is usually more complex and flavorful than mass-produced beer, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.

Popularity Of Craft Beers

Cruise lines have recognized the popularity of craft beer and have started to incorporate it into their onboard beverage offerings. This is a great way for passengers to try a variety of craft beers from different regions without having to travel to each individual brewery. Some cruise lines even partner with local breweries to provide passengers with a more authentic experience.

Try New Flavors Of Craft Beers On A Cruise Ship

One of the benefits of enjoying craft beer on a cruise is the opportunity to try new and unique flavors.

Many craft breweries create seasonal beers that are only available for a limited time.

On a cruise, passengers can try these seasonal beers without having to wait until the next year or travel to the brewery. This is a great way to expand your palate and discover new favorites.

Another benefit of enjoying craft beer on a cruise is the variety of beers available.

Many cruise lines offer a selection of craft beers from different regions, allowing passengers to try a wide range of styles and flavors. Some cruise lines even have dedicated craft beer bars onboard, offering an extensive selection of craft beers for passengers to choose from.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll be happy to know that many cruise lines also offer beer-themed cruises. These cruises often feature special events, tastings, and lectures from industry experts. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of craft beer and learn more about your favorite brews.

Craft Beer Expectations On A Cruise

So, what can you expect when it comes to craft beer on a cruise?

Well, it really depends on the cruise line and the itinerary.

Some cruise lines have a more extensive craft beer selection than others, and some may offer more opportunities to learn about the brewing process or even visit local breweries.

It’s always a good idea to research the cruise line’s beverage offerings before booking to ensure that they have the craft beers that you’re interested in trying.

The craft beers served on cruise ships will vary depending on the cruise line, destination, and season. However, here are a few examples of craft beers that have been served on various cruise lines:

Examples Of Cruise Ship Craft Beer Offerings

  1. Carnival Cruise Line - ThirstyFrog Red Ale: This is a signature craft beer brewed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line. It is a rich, full-bodied ale with a slightly sweet caramel malt flavor and a spicy hop finish.
  2. Royal Caribbean International - Kona Longboard Island Lager: This is a crisp and refreshing lager with a light, malty sweetness and a smooth, clean finish. It is brewed in Hawaii and is a popular choice on Royal Caribbean's Hawaii itineraries.
  3. Norwegian Cruise Line - Cigar City Jai Alai IPA: This is a hoppy and citrusy IPA with a bold flavor and a crisp finish. It is brewed by Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, Florida, and is a popular choice on Norwegian's Caribbean itineraries.
  4. Princess Cruises - Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: This is a classic American pale ale with a balance of hop bitterness and malt sweetness. It is brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in California and is a popular choice on Princess Cruises' West Coast itineraries.
  5. Holland America Line - Alaskan Amber Ale: This is a smooth and malty amber ale with a slightly sweet caramel flavor and a mild hop finish. It is brewed by Alaskan Brewing Company in Alaska and is a popular choice on Holland America's Alaska itineraries.
  6. Celebrity Cruises - Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA: This is a well-balanced and flavorful IPA with a citrusy hop aroma and a bitter finish. It is brewed by Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware and is a popular choice on Celebrity Cruises' Caribbean itineraries.
  7. MSC Cruises - Birra Moretti La Rossa: This is a rich and malty red ale with a smooth and creamy finish. It is brewed by Birra Moretti in Italy and is a popular choice on MSC Cruises' Mediterranean itineraries.
  8. Disney Cruise Line - Florida Beer Company's Florida Lager: This is a light and refreshing lager with a slightly sweet and malty flavor. It is brewed by Florida Beer Company in Florida and is a popular choice on Disney Cruise Line's Caribbean itineraries.
  9. Oceania Cruises - Stone IPA: This is a bold and hoppy IPA with a citrusy and piney aroma and a bitter finish. It is brewed by Stone Brewing in California and is a popular choice on Oceania Cruises' West Coast itineraries.
  10. Viking Ocean Cruises - Viking Explorer's Lounge Ale: This is a smooth and refreshing pale ale with a light malt flavor and a slightly bitter finish. It is brewed exclusively for Viking Ocean Cruises and is a popular choice in the onboard Explorer's Lounge.

These are just a few examples of the craft beers that you might find on a cruise ship.

It's always a good idea to check the beverage menus on the cruise line's website or onboard to see what craft beers are available during your cruise.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind About Craft Beer On A Cruise Ship

If you’re planning to enjoy craft beer on a cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, be aware that craft beer can be more expensive than mass-produced beer, so make sure to budget accordingly. Secondly, be sure to pace yourself when drinking craft beer, as the higher alcohol content can quickly catch up with you.

It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water and eat food while enjoying craft beer onboard.

When it comes to choosing which craft beers to try, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from the ship’s bartenders or beverage managers. They may be able to suggest a beer that you might not have considered otherwise.

You can also use online resources such as beer rating websites or apps to research and find new craft beers to try.

If you’re interested in learning more about craft beer, consider attending a tasting or seminar onboard. These events are often hosted by industry experts and can provide valuable insight into the brewing process, as well as tips on how to pair craft beer with different types of food.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself! A cruise is a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and try new things, including craft beer. So, sit back, relax, and sip on a cold one while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.

In Conclusion:

Craft beer on a cruise is a fantastic way to experience a wide range of unique and flavorful beers from around the world.

With so many cruise lines now offering craft beer as part of their beverage offerings, there has never been a better time to set sail and discover your new favorite brew. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft brewing, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a craft beer cruise.