Making your way around the world today takes everything you got.
Taking a break from all your worries, it sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.
And they’re always glad you came.

You want to be where you can see the troubles are all the same.
You want to be where everybody knows your name.

Never have the lyrics from the Cheers theme song seemed more appropriate (though I did take a small liberty with the opening line!) 1,800 people get on a ship going around the world, with all their anxieties and worries about the journey, and they seek solace with like-minded people, over a bev of choice in the local pub.

Actually, there are 9 bars/pubs on the Island, each with its own unique style, vibe and signature drink, created by one of the bartenders. Moreover, you don’t have to drink alcohol to enjoy the pubs. We spent many hours sitting in Crooners, sipping a sparkling water, and working on our computers or crochet. The seats are comfortable, the music is good and just like Cheers, they serve as the center of the community.

Crooners has a grand piano, with afternoon and evening entertainment. Wheelhouse, the largest, often has music and dancing, and also hosts many of the trivia sessions. Good Spirits provides cocktail demonstrations and is a lively place to meet friends for a drink before dinner. Lido Bar and Lotus Bar, outside on the upper decks near the pools, provide drinks when eating at the pizzeria or grill. Explorer’s Lounge hosts the daily afternoon Captain’s Circle reception and provides nightly entertainment. There are a couple of others but these are the ones that we enjoyed the most.

However, what makes the pubs special are the people; the bar stewards and bartenders that you get to know. They brought humor and energy, every single day, to those that they served. And just like in Cheers, they knew you by name. We met some great ones on this journey and we will never forget their kindness. service and friendship. We look forward to seeing them again.