Cruise vacations are already known for colorful drinks by the pool, but Royal Caribbean is adding a new twist to its onboard beverage lineup.
The cruise line has introduced two fresh cocktail experiences designed to give guests more variety beyond the typical cruise classics.
From a relaxed Italian-inspired happy hour to a limited-time menu celebrating female distillers and winemakers, these new offerings bring craft cocktails, wine, and curated spirits to several bars across the fleet.
If you enjoy trying new drinks while cruising, these new menus might become a highlight of your next sailing.
A New Italian-Inspired Aperitivo Happy Hour
Royal Caribbean is bringing a popular European tradition onboard with the launch of Aperitivo Hour, a new pre-dinner happy hour designed to get guests in the mood for dinner.
In Italy, an aperitivo is an early evening ritual where people gather before dinner to enjoy light cocktails and conversation.
The drinks are typically refreshing, slightly bitter, and meant to stimulate the appetite.
On Royal Caribbean ships, this concept has been adapted into a daily happy hour with discounted drinks.
When and where it’s available
The new Aperitivo Hour runs during the early evening and is currently being introduced in select wine-focused venues across the fleet.
Guests can typically enjoy it:
- From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- At Vintages Wine Bar.
- At Giovanni’s Wine Bar.
During this window, several specialty cocktails are offered at around $10 each, making it a more affordable option for cruisers who don’t have a beverage package.
Cocktails Featured During Aperitivo Hour
The menu focuses heavily on refreshing European-style cocktails that are perfect before dinner.
The drinks included in the new happy hour lineup are:
- Aperol Spritz – a classic Italian drink with sparkling wine and citrus notes.
- Hugo Spritz – a lighter spritz made with elderflower and mint.
- Miami Spritz – a tropical twist on the traditional spritz formula.
- Campari Spritz – a bittersweet cocktail with bold herbal flavor.
- Negroni – a well-known Italian cocktail with gin, Campari, and vermouth.
These drinks fit perfectly into the pre-dinner aperitivo culture, offering lighter cocktails that won’t overpower your appetite before heading to the dining room.
New “Cheers to Her” Menu Celebrates Women in the Beverage Industry
Alongside the happy hour launch, Royal Caribbean is also rolling out a special drink menu honoring women in the spirits and wine world.
The menu was created to celebrate International Women’s Day, highlighting beverages crafted by female master distillers and winemakers.
It’s part of the cruise line’s broader effort to recognize women who have helped shape the global beverage industry.
Spirits and wines featured on the menu
The cocktails and wine selections incorporate products from well-known brands led or created by women.
Some of the featured producers include:
- Mijenta Tequila
- Woodford Reserve
- Appleton Rum
- Zolo Malbec
- Villa Maria Wines
This curated approach allows guests to try drinks connected to the stories and craftsmanship of female leaders in the industry.
Drinks Included on the “Cheers to Her” Menu
The limited-time menu includes a mix of cocktails and wines that highlight different flavor profiles.
Guests may find drinks such as:
- Strawberry Sunset
- She Shines
- Coffee Boulevardier
- Desert Light
- Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc
- Zolo Malbec
Each beverage was designed to showcase ingredients from the featured producers while offering something different from the standard cruise cocktail list.
Where Guests Can Find These New Drinks
Availability may vary slightly depending on the ship and sailing, but guests can typically expect to find these drinks in several popular bars onboard.
Likely locations include:
- Schooner Bar
- Colony Club
- Vintages Wine Bar
- Giovanni’s Wine Bar
Because these menus are being introduced fleetwide, they may appear in different venues depending on the ship.
Royal Caribbean Continues Expanding Its Drink Program
In recent years, major changes have been coming to Royal Caribbean, and they are investing heavily in their onboard beverage program.
The cruise line wants to offer more than just classic poolside cocktails like piña coladas and frozen daiquiris.
The goal is to give guests a broader range of options, including:
- Craft cocktails
- Wine tastings
- Specialty spirits
- Unique themed drink experiences
These additions appeal especially to cruisers who enjoy premium cocktail culture and curated wine experiences.
High-End Whiskey Options Also Added Recently
The new cocktail menus arrive shortly after Royal Caribbean introduced another premium beverage partnership.
Some ships now feature rare bourbon selections from the famous Pappy Van Winkle line, which is considered one of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world.
Ships with the Mason Jar restaurant—including:
- Allure of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
—offer a curated whiskey collection featuring bottles such as:
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year
- Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year
- Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year
- Sazerac 18 Year
These top-shelf bourbons cater to guests who prefer premium whiskey experiences while cruising.
A Nice Bonus for Guests Without a Drink Package
One practical benefit of the new Aperitivo Hour is that it provides discounted cocktails for guests who don’t purchase beverage packages.
Cruise drink packages can be expensive, so having a daily happy hour window with lower prices gives guests more flexibility.
At the same time, those who already have a beverage package can still enjoy these cocktails as part of their package benefits.
More Variety for Cruise Cocktail Lovers
With these two new menus, Royal Caribbean continues to push beyond the standard cruise bar experience.
From Italian-style spritz cocktails before dinner to drinks celebrating women in the spirits industry, the cruise line is adding more variety and storytelling to its beverage offerings.
For guests who enjoy discovering new flavors at sea, these additions could easily become one of the most enjoyable parts of the cruise experience.
