The Humidor Cigar Lounge

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.

Humidor Cigar Lounge Review: A Rare Luxury at Sea

Introduction. Humidor Cigar Lounge is NCL's dedicated cigar bar, found on select ships including Norwegian Escape and Bliss. It's one of the few enclosed, ventilated cigar-friendly spaces at sea — a genuine rarity as smoking areas shrink across the cruise industry. Cigars are available for purchase, and the bar serves premium spirits. Drinks are standard pricing or covered by the beverage package.

Drinks & Service

The spirit selection here is a cut above the standard bars. Premium scotch (Macallan, Glenfiddich), cognac (Hennessy VSOP and XO), aged bourbon, and single-malt options that you won't find at the pool bar. Port wine is available and pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied cigar. The bartender can recommend spirit-cigar pairings — a Maduro with Hennessy XO, or a Connecticut wrapper with a smooth bourbon. Cocktails are available but feel beside the point. The cigar selection includes brands like Arturo Fuente, Romeo y Julieta, and Montecristo, priced $12-40. Inventory varies by sailing and sells out on longer voyages.

Service

Service is attentive and knowledgeable. The staff can recommend cigars based on your flavor preferences (mild, medium, full-bodied) and suggest spirit pairings. They'll cut and light your cigar properly. The pace is deliberately slow — you're here to sit for an hour or more. The bartenders develop relationships with regulars quickly. This is one of the few bars on the ship where the staff and guests genuinely bond over a shared interest.

Atmosphere

Rich leather chairs, dark wood paneling, warm amber lighting, and the unmistakable aroma of premium tobacco. The ventilation system is effective — smoke doesn't linger or overwhelm, which is essential for a small enclosed space. It feels like a gentleman's club transplanted onto a ship. The vibe is quiet conversation, not party energy. The crowd is typically 40+ and male-dominated, though anyone is welcome. Seating is limited to maybe 15-20 guests, which keeps it exclusive. On Escape and Bliss, the lounge has a walk-in humidor where you can browse the selection before buying. It's one of the few truly differentiated spaces on any NCL ship.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.0/5. Humidor Cigar Lounge is a standout venue for cigar enthusiasts — premium spirits, knowledgeable staff, and a properly ventilated space that's increasingly rare at sea. It loses points for the limited cocktail range, cigar inventory that can sell out, and the niche appeal. Tip: Buy your preferred cigar early in the cruise before popular sizes sell out. Ask the bartender for a cognac pairing — the VSOP or XO options are excellent and rarely ordered at other bars.

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