Cruise fans have often preferred food and drinks that you can only get at sea. This can be a dining room staple like the escargot on Royal Caribbean International (RCL) ships, Cruise Line’s prime smoked rib in Norway (NCLH) or Carnival Cruise Line’s (CCL) Famous Warm Chocolate Melt Cake.
Then, of course, there are unique indulgences available only on select ships in each company’s fleet, like a Guy Fieri burger on some Carnival ships, a hot dog from the Boardwalk Dog House on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships , or a decadent Mad Milkshake from Coco’s on Norwegian ships.
And when it comes to drinks, each cruise line has its own cocktails. Royal Caribbean has CocoCay’s signature Coco Loco on its private island, while Carnival has its Fun Ship Cocktail and Norway has the BBC, a concoction of banana liqueur, Bailey’s Irish cream and piña colada mix.
Everyone has different favorites, but there are some items that are unique to each cruise line even if it’s just a variation on a classic. You may, for example, immediately want pizza from the 24/7 pizzeria on any of the three major cruise ships the second you board (or very late at night) even if the pizza isn’t actually that good.
Now, though, Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have stepped up their beverage game with popular beers (some even brewed on board) and unique drink offerings. This is an area where Carnival has planted its flag with two new drinks that lean heavily into a current mainstream trend.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival has two new exclusive drinks
When you’re on a cruise ship, you’ll generally see people on the pool deck drinking a mix of frozen drinks, summer drinks with fruit garnishes, light beers and spirits.
Carnival has decided to lean into the strong seltzer craze with two new canned drinks under its ThirstyFrog brand. The two new drinks will be “vodka-based drinks that are only 99 calories per 12-ounce can, and Carnival’s beverage team has created two flavors that are now served throughout the fleet,” the company shared in a press release.
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The two flavors are:
- ThirstyFrog Piña Colada Hard Seltzer: Sweet and refreshing, with hints of pineapple and coconut, it’s the quintessential holiday flavor.
- Hibiscus berry Thirsty Frog: Delicious and fizzy, with a mix of berries and a touch of hibiscus, it’s the perfect drink to sip on the Lido deck.
“Over the past few years, hard seltzers have grown in popularity around the world, and we’ve certainly seen that rise in popularity aboard our ships as well…I know our guests will enjoy them on board and on our private islands.” Carnival Vice President of Beverage Operations Edward Allen said.
Carnival offers unique drinks
Carnival also has its own line of beers, some of which are brewed for the cruise line ashore and others brewed aboard its Guy Fieri Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse/Brewhouse. Drinking beer on a ship isn’t entirely unique, but Carnival has a deep beer list, including:
- Cured pork Portier smoked: With grains and wood-smoked malts, the aroma of this dark beer offers a creamy and robust finish.
- Dried pig farm ale: If you’re looking for something refreshing on an incredibly warm day, try this complex blonde ale that features hints of fruit and spice.
- Dry Roasted Pig Amber Ale: A rich toasty aroma with notes of sweet cookies and creamy caramel make this amber ale a popular choice for carnival travelers
- West Coast Dry Pork IPA: In the mood for a hoppy beer? Try this bright, slightly bitter IPA with notes of citrus and pine.
Royal Caribbean also has its own beer – Chilla Thrilla – brewed in collaboration with Funky Buddha Brewery. The cruise line also serves craft beers in the British bars offered on most of its ships.
“Brewed exclusively for Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day in Cococay, this ultra-refreshing blonde ale is brewed with a splash of mango and guava,” the brewery shared on its website.
Norwegian has a partnership with Miami-based Wynwood Brewing Company for District Brew House, a beer-based bar concept featured in Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape.
