Heidi BucoloPlanning your drink strategy for Norwegian Aqua? This comprehensive guide covers all the bars aboard NCL’s newest ship, complete with menus and pricing to help you navigate your beverage options. Whether you’re interested in craft cocktails at the Metropolitan Bar, premium whiskeys at the relocated Whiskey Bar, or frozen drinks at Waves Pool Bar, you’ll find detailed information on what’s available at each venue.
Most cocktails are priced at $15 and included with the More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar package, though premium selections and Starbucks beverages require additional payment. From the three-story Atrium to the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, we’ve broken down every drinking spot on the ship so you can plan where to grab your favorite beverages throughout your cruise.
Complete Norwegian Aqua Bars Guide with Menus
Aqua Theater & Club (Deck 6)
The Aqua Theater is a transformational space evolving from a three-story theater with a state-of-the art performance stage to a Vegas-style nightclub with an expansive dance floor.
With signature productions like Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and Elements: The World Expanded, LIVE on NCL Game Shows like the Price is Right, Syd Norman Presents: Rumours, and a nightclub experience, you will certainly need some drinks to go along with all the fun. Good thing the Aqua Theater has two bars and servers ready to take your drink orders prior to the shows.
Penrose Bar (Deck 6)
Located on the first level of the 3-story Penrose Atrium is the aptly named Penrose Bar. This bar is your go-to for a drink any time of day. It’s a great place to people watch while enjoying a cocktail and all the happenings in the atrium, including game shows and live music in the evenings. It’s also the closest bar to the casino.
The Penrose Bar serves the full standard drink menu which includes basic cocktails like a margarita, bahama mama, mai tai, and old fashioned. A few noticable omissions are the Smoked Peach Margarita and Monkey Business that we’ve previously enjoyed.
Improv at Sea (Deck 6)
The Improv at Sea is a small comedy club, which has been relocated and reconfigured on Norwegian Aqua. This venue features standup performances from two comedians throughout the cruise, usually two shows each evening. No reservations are accepted, so you’ll need to wait in line if you want to see any of these shows.
And of course, comedy is always more fun with some drinks. So luckily, there is a bar set off to one side of this venue.
Improv at Sea also turns into the late night dance club.
Whiskey Bar (Deck 6)
The sophisticated Whiskey Bar has been relocated from Deck 8 in the atrium down to Deck 6. This move makes complete sense, as it offers a more secluded spot for whiskey lovers to savor signature cocktails away from the crowds.
The menu features a variety of American and international whiskey, two bottled cocktails, and a few barrel-aged cocktails.
Swirls Wine Bar (Deck 6)
Swirls Wine Bar is a new addition to the line-up on Norwegian Aqua. This small venue is tucked around the corner from The Commodore Room (main dining room) and the Whiskey Bar. In fact, you might almost miss it if you aren’t specifically seeking it out.
Swirls offers a signature menu with wines by the glass and by the bottle from around the world. Many of the options are over the drink package limit, so you’ll need to pay the difference if you want to enjoy a glass in this intimate space.
Starbucks (Deck 7)
Located off the atrium on Deck 7 is everyone’s favorite coffee house. Starbucks serves as the main location to order specialty coffee drinks. In fact, it’s the only place outside of the dining rooms to even order an espresso or cappuccino.
Just like on land, this Starbucks serves up lattes, teas, refreshers, frappucinos, and more. However, these beverages are not included in the More at Sea drink package. If you need your daily caffeine fix, you’ll have to pay a la carte or purchase a standalone Starbucks beverage package for $16.50 per person, per day.
Syd Norman’s Pour House (Deck 7)
Perhaps one of the most popular spots on Norwegian Aqua is Syd Norman’s Pour House. It’s your rock club at sea where you can sing along to your favorite hits from the live band while sipping some cocktails from the bar. These performaces are high energy, interactive, and shouldn’t be missed. Just be sure to arrive early as the venue is usually standing room only.
When the Syd Norman’s crew aren’t performing, guests are usually putting on their own performances with karaoke sessions throughout the cruise.
Metropolitan Bar (Deck 7)
The second most popular Norwegian Aqua bar is probably the Metropolitan Bar. This space has been reconfigured and now features a piano. Couple the piano bar vibes with one of the only remaining signature cocktail menus and you’ve got the perfect evening hangout. This venue was often standing room only as well.
The signature drink menu features sustainable craft cocktails like the Primadonna, Croissant Mai Tai, and Cucumber Cool. You might even find the Chocolate Cowboy tending the bar.
Belvedere Bar (Deck 8)
Swapping places with the Whiskey Bar, the Belvedere Bar has moved up from Deck 6 to Deck 8 in the Penrose Atrium on Norwegian Aqua. While we like the new location, we were disappointed to find out that this bar no longer has a signature drink menu like it did when we sailed on Prima a few years back.
Our favorite bottled cocktails, All About That Basil and Bourbon Myth, are no longer served here. Instead, the Belvedere Bar now serves the same standard menu as the Penrose Bar which is also in the atrium.
One nice addition though is that there is live music here is the evenings now, usually an acoustic guitarist who alternates sets with the band playing two decks below.
The Local Bar & Grill (Deck 8)
The Local has been revamped on Norwegian’s Prima-class ships with a new seaside atmosphere featuring indoor and outdoor seating on Ocean Boulevard. This venue’s restaurant and bar have been separated into distinct areas as well. While the restaurant still serves up food 24 hours a day, the bar offers more comfortable seating and a smaller menu of select food items.
The bar menu features a selection of cocktails as well as many beers and wines. The snacks include chili, chicken wings, pretzel bites, sausage sliders, and nachos, among other items.
Luna Bar (Deck 8)
The Luna Bar is located in the Indulge Food Hall. So, you can grab some cocktails on tap or draft beers to enjoy along with your food selections. Actually, Luna Bar is one of the few bars on Norwegian Aqua that has a distinct menu, featuring several unique “on tap” cocktails in partnership with Liquid Kitchen by Cathy Casey.
In addition to the Whiskey Orchard Press and Red Bubbles found at other bars around the ship, there’s Tequila Funshine, Watermelon Mint Cooler, Dragon Water, Market Fresh, Honey Dragon Bubbles, Smoky Dragon, and Rum’ble in addition to other classic cocktails.
Soleil Bar (Deck 8)
Within the Indulge Outdoor Lounge space completely aft on Ocean Boulevard is the Soleil Bar. This bar is a great space to enjoy a cocktail and the wake views, perhaps even catch a sunset. It’s also the closest bar if you’re relaxing at the Infinity Beach pools.
The Soleil Bar offers the same bar menu as its indoor counterpart, Luna Bar, along with plenty of comfy seating options.
Observation Lounge (Deck 17)
The Observation Lounge on Norwegian Aqua is all the way forward offering amazing views. While smaller than its counterparts on NCL’s Breakaway Plus-class ships, it provides a more cozy ambiance. It also features some light bites throughout the day and a bar to order up your favorite cocktails while relaxing in this space.
This bar serves up the standard drink menu.
Waves Pool Bar (Deck 17)
You won’t have to go far to grab your favorite cocktails on the pool deck. The Waves Pool Bar is located nearby serving up your favorite poolside drinks for you to enjoy while soaking up the sun.
The menu includes drinks like an aperol spritz, mango meltdown, mudslide, pina colada, and more.
Vibe Beach Club (Deck 17)
The Vibe Beach Club is an adult-only space on Norwegian Cruise Line. This exclusive retreat is an up-charge, and there are a limited number of passes available. The price is currently $269 for the week and $99 for a day pass (if available).
The Vibe Beach Club features plenty of comfy lounge furniture, two infinity hot tubs, a bar, and dedicated staff. Those choosing to upgrade their experience can enjoy some cocktails in exclusive company.
This bar menu has a variety of zero alcohol and low alcohol drinks, along with spritzers.
The Bull’s Eye Bar (Deck 18)
Lastly, a brand-new bar on Norwegian Aqua, The Bull’s Eye Bar takes the place of the former Speedway Bar overlooking Vibe Beach Club. Here, you’ll find two dart boards which are complimentary for guests to play (20 minute time slots). This is also the closest bar if you’re enjoying a game in The Stadium or on the Tee Time mini golf course.
The Bull’s Eye Bar serves the same drink menu as the Waves Pool Bar, so you can grab a cocktail to help celebrate your victory.
Norwegian Aqua Drink Prices
When it comes to enjoying drinks on Norwegian Aqua, cocktails up to $15 are included with the More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar. If a drink costs more, guests are responsible for the difference plus 20% gratuity.
Other non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffee, water, and energy drinks are NOT included in the drink package.
Below are the average Norwegian Aqua drink prices:
- Cocktails- mostly $15
- Zero Proof Cocktails- mostly $15
- Spirits- $15
- Connoisseur Selections- $20 to $30+
- Beer- mostly $10
- Wine- starting at $12.50
- Signature Selection Wines- $17 to $23+
- Tostao Coffee- $4.45 for cappuccinos and lattes (served in restaurants only)
- Soda- $3.50
- Sustainable Water- $4.50
- Energy Drinks- $6.25
- Starbucks Beverages- $3.85 to $6.95+ for grande-sized drinks
Comments
Do you have plans to sail on the new Norwegian Aqua? What are your favorite Norwegian Aqua bars and drinks? Drop us an anchor below to share where you like to spend time sipping cocktails on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
