Shaker's Martini 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.

Shakers Martini Bar Review: Martinis Done Right, Menu Done Basic

Introduction. Shakers Martini Bar (or Shakers Cocktail Bar) is a martini-focused lounge found on Breakaway, Getaway, and other NCL ships. Positioned as the ship's dedicated martini venue, it serves an expanded martini menu alongside the standard NCL drink list. Drinks are standard pricing or covered by the beverage package. It's typically a pre-dinner and after-dinner destination.

Drinks & Service

The martini menu is the focus: Classic Gin Martini (Hendrick's or Tanqueray), Dirty Martini, Espresso Martini, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop, and Apple Martini. The Classic Gin Martini with Hendrick's is the best cocktail in the room — properly chilled, properly stirred, served in a real martini glass. The Espresso Martini is strong and well-balanced. Where it falters: the "flavored martinis" (Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Watermelon) are essentially sweet cocktails served in martini glasses — they'd be better called something else. Beyond the martini list, it's the same NCL bar card. A proper Manhattan or Gibson is available off-menu and well-made here.

Service

Bartenders at Shakers are typically martini-trained — they understand stirred versus shaken, can discuss gin varieties, and take pride in the pour. The service is more attentive than at a generic bar, and the pace matches the sipping speed of martini drinkers. During peak evening hours (8-10 p.m.), the bar gets busy but service stays strong. The bartenders are among the more skilled on the ship.

Atmosphere

Art deco meets cocktail bar: metallic accents, curved seating, low lighting, and a long bar with a mirrored backbar displaying premium spirits. It evokes a 1920s lounge without going full speakeasy. The seating is intimate — small tables, curved banquettes, and bar stools. The energy is pre-dinner sophistication and post-dinner elegance. Live music (piano or small ensemble) plays on some evenings, elevating the experience significantly. The crowd is couples and small groups in smart casual or better. It's one of the few bars on an NCL ship that feels like it has its own identity, even if the drink menu doesn't fully commit.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.7/5. Shakers delivers on its martini promise — the Classic Gin Martini, Espresso Martini, and Dirty Martini are all well-made, and the bartenders know their craft. It loses points for the sweet "martinis" that dilute the brand, the generic non-martini menu, and the limited seating. Tip: Order the Classic Gin Martini with Hendrick's and a cucumber garnish — it's the best version. Arrive before 8 p.m. for a bar seat.

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