When you set sail aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can expect to enjoy a wide variety of beverages—ranging from classic cocktails and premium wines to refreshing beers. Beer lovers are in for a treat, as Royal Caribbean offers a carefully curated selection of beers, both local and international, ensuring that every guest can find something to satisfy their taste. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying a gourmet meal in one of the specialty restaurants, or watching a live show in the evening, you’ll likely find a beer that enhances your cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean’s beer list is diverse, featuring popular global brands alongside craft beers from around the world, local brews from the ports of call, and some exclusive options. The cruise line is known for its efforts to cater to a wide range of preferences, offering lagers, ales, stouts, and seasonal brews to suit all palates. But what exactly can you expect to find on the beer menu while cruising with Royal Caribbean? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of beer aboard Royal Caribbean cruises, exploring the different types of beers available, the brands you’ll find, and the unique features of Royal Caribbean’s beer offerings.
Types of Beers Served on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean aims to provide an extensive beer selection to cater to a variety of tastes. From refreshing light beers to rich stouts, the cruise line ensures that guests can enjoy their favorite styles or try something new. The beer options vary from ship to ship and depending on the ports of call, but the following styles are commonly found aboard:
Lager Beers
Lager is one of the most popular beer styles worldwide, and it’s no surprise that Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of lagers. Lagers are light, crisp, and easy to drink, making them perfect for sipping by the pool or enjoying on the deck. Many of the lager options aboard Royal Caribbean cruises come from major global breweries, including famous international brands like Heineken, Budweiser, and Coors Light. These beers are known for their balanced flavors and smooth finishes, appealing to those who prefer a lighter beer.
Additionally, depending on the ship and itinerary, guests may find some local lager brews from various ports of call. For example, if the ship docks in the Caribbean, you may encounter beers like Red Stripe from Jamaica or Presidente from the Dominican Republic. These local brews offer a taste of the region, allowing passengers to experience the culture of the islands through their beers.
Ales and Pale Ales
Ales, including pale ales and amber ales, offer more robust flavors compared to lagers. On Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll find well-known brands like Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Yuengling alongside craft beer selections that represent the diverse world of ale brewing. These beers typically have a more pronounced hop character, which can range from floral and fruity to earthy and spicy, depending on the variety.
Pale ales are particularly popular for their balanced flavor profile, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a beer with a bit more complexity. Stone Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing Company are examples of craft breweries whose beers can sometimes be found aboard Royal Caribbean ships, providing passengers with a taste of American craft beer culture.
Stouts and Porters
For those who prefer a darker, more full-bodied beer, Royal Caribbean also offers a selection of stouts and porters. These beers are known for their rich, malty flavors, often with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Guinness is one of the most popular stouts served on Royal Caribbean, and it’s a favorite among passengers who enjoy a beer with a deep, roasty flavor.
Other stouts and porters available on select ships might include brews like Founders Porter and Sierra Nevada Stout, which offer a slightly different take on the classic stout with additional layers of flavor. These darker beers are often enjoyed during cooler evenings or paired with hearty foods like burgers, steaks, and barbecued meats.
Craft Beer Selections
In addition to mainstream lager and ale options, Royal Caribbean also offers a selection of craft beers, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Craft breweries are known for their creativity and innovation, often experimenting with unique ingredients and brewing techniques to create distinctive beers.
Craft beer lovers can expect to find a rotating selection of craft brews from local breweries and well-known craft beer brands. Some popular options include Brooklyn Lager, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Ballast Point Sculpin IPA. These beers tend to have more complex and diverse flavor profiles, offering everything from citrusy IPAs to hop-forward double IPAs, fruity wheat beers, and even experimental barrel-aged brews.
Royal Caribbean is always looking to stay on top of beer trends, and their commitment to serving craft beers means you can enjoy a unique beer experience while cruising the high seas. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or someone who enjoys sampling new styles, the craft beer selection on Royal Caribbean provides plenty of variety and excitement.
Beer on Royal Caribbean: Locations and Availability
While Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of beers, the selection may vary depending on the ship and the region you are cruising in. However, there are several places on board where passengers can find and enjoy their favorite brews.
Bars and Lounges
Royal Caribbean boasts numerous bars and lounges, where guests can order a cold beer to enjoy while socializing with friends or relaxing in a laid-back environment. Each ship has a variety of themed bars, from casual poolside bars to sophisticated lounges offering craft cocktails and beers. Common beer options include brands like Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra, but depending on the bar, passengers may also find craft beers and specialty local options.
For example, the Windjammer Café (Royal Caribbean’s buffet) offers an array of beer selections, where you can grab a cold drink with your meal. Similarly, at The Brew House on select ships, passengers can enjoy not only craft beers but also brews brewed right on board. This gives guests a chance to sample something exclusive and potentially unique to the ship they’re cruising on.
Specialty Beer Packages
To enhance your beer experience on board, Royal Caribbean offers beer packages for guests who want to enjoy unlimited beer throughout their cruise. The Royal Refreshment Package, for example, provides unlimited access to beer, soft drinks, and other beverages throughout the cruise. This package can be a great value for beer lovers who want to make the most of their time on the ship without worrying about the cost of each individual drink.
The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes a wide selection of beers, including premium options and craft selections. This package allows you to explore various beers without worrying about additional charges, making it an excellent option for those who plan to indulge in a variety of brews during their vacation.
Craft Beer Tastings and Events
On many Royal Caribbean cruises, passengers have the opportunity to participate in special events like beer tastings, brewing demonstrations, and educational sessions about the brewing process. These events provide a unique way to dive deeper into the world of beer, learn about different styles and flavors, and interact with fellow beer enthusiasts.
Some ships even feature beer-pairing dinners, where expert chefs and sommeliers guide guests through a multi-course meal paired with carefully selected beers. These events are often held at specialty restaurants or in dedicated event spaces, providing an elevated beer experience during your cruise.
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Royal Caribbean and Local Beers
As you travel to different ports of call around the world, Royal Caribbean often highlights local beers and brews from the region. For instance, when cruising to Europe, you may have the chance to try German pilsners, Belgian-style ales, or English bitters, giving you a taste of the beer culture in different countries.
In the Caribbean, passengers can sample island brews like Carib Lager from Trinidad & Tobago, Piton Beer from St. Lucia, or Banks Beer from Barbados. These local beers provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the flavors of the region, making your cruise experience even more memorable. On select itineraries, Royal Caribbean may also feature exclusive regional brews available only at the ports of call, offering guests a truly unique beer experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of beers to satisfy all kinds of beer drinkers. From light lagers and bold ales to rich stouts and experimental craft brews, you’ll find a diverse selection of beers to enjoy while on board. Whether you prefer mainstream favorites or more artisanal options, there’s something for everyone, no matter your beer preferences.
The availability of beer is widespread across Royal Caribbean’s ships, from bars and lounges to specialty beer packages and exclusive tastings. The cruise line’s dedication to offering a diverse selection ensures that your beer experience is as enjoyable as every other aspect of your vacation. So, the next time you find yourself aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, don’t forget to explore the fantastic beer offerings that will undoubtedly complement your vacation at sea.
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