Cruise ship drinks: Which cruises have the best pubs at sea?

Cruise ship bars serve up all sorts of fabulous drinks, but sometimes you just really have a hankering for a classic pint, right?

We’ve rounded up the best cruise line pubs you can find on the high seas.

Whether you’re after classic brews or are eager to discover your new favourite ale, these cruise pubs will keep you satiated, should you be sailing with Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises or Cunard.

P&O Cruises: Brodie’s Bar

For all things screaming “classic British pub” – from pork scratchings to ale – look no further than the bars on Britannia cruise ship. Brodie’s Bar on the P&O Cruises vessel will definitely sort you out.

The watering hole is home to the ship’s largest range of British and international bottled beers, ciders and real ale as well as plenty on offer on tap. Expect snacks, quizzes, games, live sports, karaoke and more in the bar, too.

Celebrity Cruises: Craft Social

To tuck into a pint of the good stuff head to cruise ship bar Craft Social onboard Celebrity ships Apex, Beyond, Equinox and Silhouette. The casual yet classy pub serves 40 handcrafted boutique beer selections, beers ranging from Ommeang Abbey Ale and Rogue Chocolate Stout to Goose Island Imperial IPA and Delirium Tremens, beer flights and a number of brews on tap (Moretti, Amstel Light, Heineken and so on), plus wine and cocktails.

It even serves “rare beers” such as Westvleteren which has been awarded the title of “Best Beer in the World” several times. The bites look pretty tasty too, from mac n’ brie and truffle fried to Kobe beef sliders and salads.

Cunard: The Golden Lion Pub

The Golden Lion – found on all Cunard ships – offers a thirst-quenching variety of ales, lagers and ciders.

Draught beers on offer are Foster’s, Marston’s Pedigree, Stella Artois, San Miguel and Fuller’s London Pride while lagers range from Amstel Light and Corona to Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Tiger. The Pale Ales menu includes Punk IPA and Tribute, and the Golden Ales list comprises Tanglefoot and Jennings Cumberland Ale among others.

Amber Ales are Bombardier Old English Ale and Doom Bar, Strong Ales include Broadside and Hobgoblin and there are wheat beers, as well as Banana Bread Beer and Guinness.

Highlights behind the bar include a vast range of beers from around the world, including the Cunard Craft Beers. This trio of signature beers has been brewed exclusively for Cunard by award-winning microbrewery Dark Revolution.

The Golden Lion Pub also serves lunches and hosts pub games, from darts to quizzes.

Royal Caribbean: English Pub

The English Pub is available on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships and serves a wide selection of beers ranging from ales (English, Belgian Strong, American Pale, India Pale, you name it) to lagers (think Bock and Pilsner).

If you’re uncertain as to what beer to order some of the menus include guides to help you navigate the various beer styles and flavors. If you’re feeling experimental, ask for a beertini or cockt-ale – mixed drinks infused with brews! Expect pop-up musical performances at the pub, too.

Carnival Cruise Line: RedFrog Pub

While most pubs on cruise ships are inspired by beloved English boozers, the RedFrog Pub on Carnival ships is inspired by Key West in Florida. It even serves a signature private-label brew, which you can enjoy as you enjoy tunes from live musicians.

Virgin Voyages: Draught Haus

A haven for beer drinkers, cruise ship bar Draught Haus on Virgin Voyages is a blend of chic craft beer house and beach bar. Expect plenty of beers on tap as well as artisanal bottles, with Heineken, Amstel Light, Kalik, Narragansett all served for the reasonable price of $5-6. The Draught Haus even serves Breakfast shots at breakfast time if you’re feeling brave.

Right, we’re off to find the nearest pub garden.