Maltings Whiskey 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.

Maltings Whiskey Bar Review: A Genuine Whiskey Bar at Sea

Introduction. Maltings Whiskey Bar (also called Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar) is NCL's dedicated whiskey and craft beer venue, found on Norwegian Encore, Bliss, and other Breakaway Plus class ships. It stocks an extensive whiskey collection — Scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish, Japanese — alongside a curated craft beer selection. Drinks are standard pricing or covered by the beverage package (though premium pours may have an upcharge).

Drinks & Service

This is where the drinks actually justify a dedicated venue. The whiskey list runs 40-60 bottles deep depending on the ship: Lagavulin 16, Woodford Reserve, Hibiki Harmony, Redbreast 12, Eagle Rare, and more. Craft beer taps feature rotating selections beyond the standard Heineken and Coors — think local IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers. The bourbon flights are the highlight: three 1-oz pours curated by the bartender for $15-25 depending on the selections. A proper Old Fashioned here is made with bitters, muddled orange, and your choice of bourbon. The bartender will steer you right whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or exploring for the first time. Premium pours carry an upcharge beyond the beverage package, which stings.

Service

The bartenders are whiskey-knowledgeable — they can discuss the difference between Islay and Speyside, recommend a bourbon flight, or suggest a Japanese whiskey for a curious beginner. This is specialized staff, not just generic bartenders rotated through. Service is unhurried, which matches the sipping pace. Beer recommendations are also thoughtful. It's one of the few bars on the ship where the staff genuinely elevate the experience.

Atmosphere

Dark wood, exposed brick accents, leather bar stools, and backlit whiskey bottles creating an amber glow — Maltings nails the whiskey bar aesthetic. It feels like a proper craft bar you'd find in Nashville or Edinburgh, not a cruise ship. The TVs show sports (mostly American football and soccer), adding to the pub feel. The bar is compact — maybe 30 seats total — which keeps it intimate. Music is low, conversation is easy, and the crowd is there for the same reason: they actually like whiskey. It gets busy after 9 p.m. but rarely feels overcrowded. The air occasionally carries the scent of nearby cigar smoke from Humidor, depending on ventilation.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.1/5. Maltings is a standout bar in the NCL fleet — the whiskey selection is deep, the craft beer is genuine, and the bartenders know their stuff. It loses points for the premium upcharges on the best whiskeys and the limited appeal for non-whiskey drinkers. Tip: Ask the bartender for a "flight of three" — they'll curate a tasting based on your palate, and it's the best way to explore the collection. Go after 9 p.m. when the casual drinkers have moved to louder bars.

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