Ahoy, cocktail lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying world-class cocktails while cruising the high seas, MSC Cruises has just made your fantasy a reality. Two of the globe’s most celebrated bars are setting sail with MSC Cruise ships, transforming your oceanic journey into a luxurious floating bar crawl. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with SIPS and Paradiso, as they take their award-winning drinks to the North Sea and the Mediterranean.
MSC Cruises: Your Floating Cocktail Oasis
Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of the MSC Euribia, the North Sea’s bracing wind in your hair, and you’re sipping on a negroni that’s chilled with white chocolate-coated ice cubes. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s precisely the kind of high-end experience MSC Cruises is now offering. They’ve tapped into the talents of the world’s top “juice jockeys” (aka bartenders) to bring a level of sophistication to their beverage offerings that has never been seen before at sea.
“We’re thrilled to bring the ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ concept aboard our ships,” said Jacques Van Staden, the food and beverage vice president at MSC Cruises. “This new program elevates our culinary and beverage offerings to new heights, providing unforgettable experiences that our guests will cherish.”
SIPS: North Sea’s Ultimate Cocktail Destination
Passengers aboard the MSC Euribia will be delighted with an exclusive menu from SIPS, the Barcelona-based bar crowned No. 1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars for 2023. Co-founded by bartending legends Marc Alvarez and Simone Caporale, SIPS is renowned for its inventive techniques and playful presentations. Here’s a sneak peek at some of their show-stopping cocktails:
- Negroni with White Chocolate-Coated Ice: Say goodbye to diluted drinks! These special ice cubes keep your negroni perfectly chilled without watering it down.
- Vodka Cocktail with a Smoke Bubble: A smoky bubble adds a dramatic flair, paired with a side of cava for a truly sophisticated experience.
- Primordial: A scotch, Calvados, and ruby Port-based drink served in a hand-shaped, metal-cast vessel, blending elegance and surprise in every sip.
Paradiso: Mediterranean Mixology Magic
Meanwhile, on the MSC World Europa, cruisers can indulge in the creative concoctions of Paradiso, which held the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2022. With thirteen exquisite cocktails on the menu, each drink is a journey of its own. Highlights include:
- Kryptonita: A bittersweet masterpiece that balances flavors with an electric presentation.
- Bacco Per Bacco: This cocktail plays with form and texture, featuring strawberry caviar and served in a grape-bunch goblet.
- Caribe Italiano: A unique fusion of Caribbean rum and Parmesan cheese, delivering an umami-filled delight that’s as unexpected as it is delicious.
Drinking these extraordinary cocktails is like falling through the looking glass into a world where mixology is an art form.
Super Cool Bartenders at Sea
Creating such intricate drinks requires more than just the right ingredients; it demands skill and finesse. Luckily, the bartenders aboard MSC’s ships have been trained by the masters themselves. Simone Caporale of SIPS praises them as “super cool, very switched on, international.” With these expertly trained bartenders on board, you can trust that each cocktail will be crafted to perfection.
Full Steam Ahead for Cocktail Lovers
This summer, the Euribia and World Europa will crisscross European waters, offering passengers the chance to enjoy some of the world’s best cocktails at sea. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the scene, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. So, if you’re cruising for some boozing, grab your favorite Hawaiian shirt, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to embark on a high-seas adventure filled with unparalleled mixology magic. All aboard and full steam ahead!
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