Penrose 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.

Penrose Bar Review: A Handsome Bar with a Generic Menu

Introduction. Penrose Bar is a cocktail lounge found on Prima and Viva class ships, named after mathematician Roger Penrose and featuring design elements inspired by impossible geometry. It's positioned as a sophisticated evening bar with the standard NCL drink menu. Drinks are standard pricing or covered by the beverage package.

Drinks & Service

Standard NCL bar card in a space that screams for a curated cocktail program. The bartenders can make a proper Martini, Negroni, or Whiskey Sour — and they should, because the setting deserves it. Draft beer and frozen drinks feel wrong here; go classic. The Espresso Martini and French 75 are solid choices that match the sophistication of the room. Wine by the glass is the usual Mondavi selection. No venue-specific signature drinks — the biggest missed opportunity on Prima-class ships. The bar team is capable of much more than the menu asks of them.

Service

Bartenders are skilled and attentive — the bar sees moderate traffic, giving them time to make drinks properly. Off-menu requests are handled well. The staff are engaging and seem to wish they had more interesting drinks to serve. Service is prompt, with 1-3 minute waits. The cocktail servers working the lounge area are efficient.

Atmosphere

The design is the star. Inspired by Penrose tiles and impossible geometry, the space features tessellating patterns, angular lighting fixtures, and optical illusions worked into the bar surface and walls. It's genuinely fascinating — the kind of design that rewards close attention. The color palette is deep jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, and gold. Seating includes curved banquettes, high-top tables, and bar stools. The mood is sophisticated and slightly futuristic. On Prima and Viva, it's one of the most Instagrammed spots on the ship, and deservedly so. The crowd is couples and design-curious guests. Music is ambient electronic at conversation-friendly volume.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.5/5. Penrose Bar is a beautifully designed space with interesting concept work — the geometric design alone is worth a visit. But the standard drink menu wastes the creative potential. It's still a good bar with attentive service; it's just not the destination bar the design promises. Tip: Visit for the design and photo opportunities — the geometric patterns are genuinely impressive. Order a Martini or Negroni and enjoy the most architecturally interesting bar on the ship.

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