You need to know something important about Royal Caribbean bar menus. They aren’t all the same. The beverage packages are designed to cover most drinks, and the drinks cost more on newer ships. The menus below were taken from the Liberty of the Seas in July 2019.
- Embarkation Day Drinks Menu (all decks in Texas waters)
- Boleros (Deck 4 aft)
- Schooner Bar (Deck 4 forward)
- Sabor (Deck 4 forward)
- R Bar (Deck 5 aft)
- Vintages (Deck 5 midship)
- Vintages wine flights (Deck 5 midship)
- Hoof and Claw Pub (Deck 5 midship)
- Suite Lounge cocktail menu (Deck 14 aft)
- Olive or Twist (Deck 14 aft)
I made several general observations. First, the drink package on the Liberty covered drinks up to $12. It was really hard to spend more than that on a drink. There were only two major exceptions. The first is if you wanted a tasting flight, and the second is if you are a wine drinker. If you drink beer or harder stuff, the drink package covers you nicely.
Second, there was more variation between bars than I expected. For example, I love Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon. It was literally the last drink I had on the cruise. I discovered it the last night in Hoof and Claw. To the best of my knowledge, this is the only place that had it. While every bar can make your standard mixed drinks, it is worth asking around if you want something particular.
What about embarkation day?
Third, the alcohol on embarkation day is awful. It used to be better. Now, McCormack’s is one of the better options until you are in international waters. Just say no. As a side note, they *do* serve Shiner Bock in Texas. They cease serving it in international waters.
Finally, the pool bars do not really have distinct menus. Their offerings are closest to the Olive or Twist menu. However, if you ask them for something expensive and special they will give you a confused look and pour something from the well. All told, the drink package was a great value. Happy cruising!