The Bake Shop

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.

The Bake Shop Review: Guilty Pleasures Done Right

Introduction. The Bake Shop (or Carlo's Bake Shop, a Buddy Valastro partnership on some ships) is NCL's dedicated bakery, found on Breakaway, Getaway, Encore, and other ships. It sells pastries, cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and specialty desserts at a per-item surcharge ($3-8). On ships with the Carlo's branding, the connection to the "Cake Boss" TV show adds name recognition. Coffee and espresso are also available.

Drinks & Service

This is a bakery, not a bar. Espresso drinks (cappuccino, latte, Americano) are available at surcharge and are better than the complimentary coffee elsewhere on the ship. Hot chocolate is rich and worth it on Alaska sailings. The pastry selection includes cupcakes ($3-5 each — the Red Velvet and Cookies & Cream are the best), Cannoli ($4-5, filled to order on some ships), the signature Lobster Tail pastry (flaky, cream-filled, excellent), and decorated cakes for special occasions ($25-60). Cookies are hit-or-miss — sometimes fresh, sometimes stale in the display case. The Carlo's-branded items trade on the Cake Boss name with varying fidelity to the original recipes.

Service

It's a bakery counter — you browse the display, order, and pay. Staff are cheerful and will describe each item. The custom cake ordering process (for birthdays, anniversaries) is handled professionally with advance notice. Lines form after dinner (the post-meal dessert craving) and can stretch 5-10 deep. Mid-afternoon is quieter.

Atmosphere

A colorful bakery counter with glass display cases showcasing cupcakes, pastries, and cakes — it draws you in visually before you decide to spend. On ships with the Carlo's branding, the décor leans into the Cake Boss aesthetic: bright colors, Italian bakery vibes, and photos from the show. The space is tiny — a counter, a few stools, and a narrow walkway. No real seating area; most people grab and go. The aroma of fresh pastry and espresso is the real atmosphere. It's positioned in a high-traffic area, which means constant foot traffic and impulse purchases. The display case is the marketing — when the Lobster Tails are fresh and golden, resistance is futile.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.8/5. The Bake Shop delivers genuinely good pastries — the cupcakes, Lobster Tail, and Cannoli are highlights worth the surcharge. It loses points for the cumulative cost, items that lose freshness in the display case, and the uneven quality of cookies versus pastries. Tip: Go in the morning for the freshest selection. The Lobster Tail pastry is the best item in the case — ask for one if you don't see it displayed. Order a custom cake for celebrations at least 24 hours in advance.

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