Belvedere Bar

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: This is a composite account from multiple guest experiences, edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

Belvedere Bar Review: Quiet Elegance, Standard Pours

Introduction. Belvedere Bar is a cocktail lounge found on select Norwegian ships, typically positioned as a more refined alternative to the louder bars. Named to evoke European sophistication, it offers the standard NCL drink menu in a quieter setting. Drinks are covered by the beverage package or priced individually.

Drinks & Service

The menu is the standard NCL bar card, but the bartenders here have the bandwidth to make drinks properly. A Gin and Tonic gets a proper garnish. A Martini is stirred, not shaken (unless you ask). The Espresso Martini is one of the better versions on the ship — the bartender takes time to get the crema right. Wine by the glass is the fleet-wide Mondavi list, but you can sometimes find a reserve bottle if you ask. No signature cocktails specific to this venue, which is a missed opportunity for a bar with "refined" aspirations.

Service

Bartenders are polished and attentive — this is one of the calmer stations on the ship, so they have time to make drinks properly. You can request off-menu cocktails and they'll usually oblige if they have the ingredients. Service is unhurried, which matches the vibe. Expect your drink within 2-3 minutes. Staff here tend to be among the more experienced bartenders on the ship.

Atmosphere

Subdued lighting, upholstered seating, and a quieter location away from the main traffic flow. This is one of the few bars on an NCL ship where you can actually have a conversation without raising your voice. The décor is understated — dark wood tones, glass shelving, soft ambient music. It feels like a proper hotel lounge rather than a cruise ship bar. The crowd skews older and more relaxed, which contributes to the calm. During peak evening hours it fills up, but rarely gets rowdy.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.5/5. Belvedere Bar is a perfectly fine quiet cocktail spot — reliable Martinis, attentive bartenders, peaceful atmosphere. It just doesn't distinguish itself enough from other bars to be a true destination. Tip: Come here for pre-dinner Martinis around 5:30 p.m. — the bar is nearly empty, the drinks are proper, and you'll start your evening right.

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