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A long cruise - we're on our way, part 4

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

9 years ago

I believe that there is a thing about being on a cruise ship that has more people drinking more alcohol than might usually happen. The prices are not cheap, but not as bad as some places that might cater to people who have lots of money to spend on stuff like that. One doesn't have to worry about drinking and driving; and then there is the relaxation factor to consider.

A few years ago, Holland America made some modifications in their bars. For instance, the piano bar was in its own comfy room with a dedicated bartender. Not anymore, that is now an open area (lots of people walking by potentially spoiling the piano player's gig) and it is a part of the Martini Bar.

Generally, there is a reduced price time, some might call it Happy Hour, and the prices are the same throughout the ship not for one specific bar. I don't know if that is good or bad.

Because of the goofy lighting in many of the bars (lots of mirrors and glitter things), it was difficult for me to get decent pictures of some of the venues.

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Comments (8)

jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
Adjacent to the Piano Bar (which doesn't have a sign and uses the Martini bartenders), there is still another open space called The Mix. Generally, there is a guitar player there in the late afternoon and the activity people host a trivia game there, too.

They have draft beer that is reasonably priced. Again, it is an open area and lots of people are moving from one end of the ship to the other. As a result, The Mix is NOT an intimate space. Poor design. I spoke with one of the bar servers and he related that his impression is that sales are down and the design is to blame. The bartenders there also take care of the casino patrons.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
Holland America's Maasdam (and other ships of that class) has The Ocean Bar. I am not sure why they call it that as during the day, it is not open; and at night, the drapes are closed (then you cannot see the water!).

However, this is a nice space. From 4:30 until 5:30 and from 6:30 until 10:30, there is a 3-piece band playing dance music. A nice dance floor is there and Holland America has Dance Hosts in attendance for those ladies who do not have a dance partner. That is something that Holland America has been doing for many years.

Same prices on the liquor as the other bars, no draft beer or some of the more expensive bottles of wine are on site though. The bar servers have to leave the space to get those items from a different bar. Because of the design, the noise from passing passengers does not distract you from the ambiance.
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jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
On the Lido deck, near the pool is the Lido Bar. It opens at 8:30 a.m. for those who need something then. Besides selling alcohol, cans of Coca-Cola products and fountain drinks are available.

This bar is also the bar that provides drinks for those who are dining in the Lido restaurant, a short distance away.

As in most bars, once you have become a regular, the bar staff will get to know you well. That is more apparent on these longer voyages. The bar servers have told me that they really prefer the shorter itineraries because those passengers drink more and the servers make more in tips.

Other serving places include the Crow's Nest (good views during Happy Hour - well-attended), the aft facing Seaview Pool and a specialty bar in the Explorer's Lounge. No real bar there, but there is a server present. In the evenings, violin/piano performers are the draw, not the alcohol. You can also gets drinks in the Showroom at Sea (live performance venue) from a behind-the-scenes service bar.

Larger ships have more bars, both on Holland America and other cruise lines
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
Tomorrow, we arrive at our first port - San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Any questions so far?
anneliese_32
9 years ago
The Ocean Bar looks nice and inviting. Per your description, the others remind me of some of the bars in some airports or open front places in a mall.
Janis_G
9 years ago
Will you be visiting Old San Juan ?
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
As far as I am concerned Old San Juan is the only place to visit. I have been there at least 10 times and still love it. I discover something every time.

I have taken the trip between the airport and the pier several times and nothing really grabs me that would make me wander away from the old city. I know lots of people go to the casinos and the beaches, but that's not my style.
west_gardener
9 years ago
Love the photos of the bar's neon signs. You did a great job in capturing the photos.I think the neon sign of a martini with an olive is almost an universal symbol for "bar", be it high end or low end.

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