The Raw 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.

The Raw Bar Review: Fresh Seafood, Premium Price

Introduction. The Raw Bar is a seafood-focused venue on select Norwegian ships, serving oysters, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, and other raw or chilled seafood preparations. It operates as a small bar-and-counter venue with a surcharge per item or platter ($8-25+ depending on selection). It's the niche option for seafood lovers willing to pay extra for quality.

Food & Drinks

The oysters are the star — shucked to order, briny, and served on ice with mignonette and cocktail sauce. On good sailings, the quality rivals a decent oyster bar ashore. The Shrimp Cocktail is generous and properly chilled — large shrimp with a horseradish-forward sauce. The Ceviche rotates but is typically bright and well-balanced. The Lobster Roll, when available, is the premium item — chunks of lobster in a buttered roll with a light mayo dressing. Where it falls short: the prices are high for what you get — a half-dozen oysters can run $15-18. The selection is limited, and availability varies by sailing. The non-seafood options (if any) are an afterthought. On longer cruises, the freshness of the oysters and raw preparations can decline as supply chains stretch.

Service

The shucker/bartender works in front of you — watching oysters being shucked is part of the experience. Staff are knowledgeable about the sourcing and can describe what's available. Service is intimate and attentive given the small size. The wait for oysters is minimal — they're shucked to order in 2-3 minutes. Wine and champagne pairings are suggested and appropriate.

Atmosphere

The Raw Bar is typically a small counter — 8-15 seats with an open preparation area. It's positioned on a promenade or Waterfront area, sometimes with outdoor seating. The design is clean and maritime — ice displays, seafood-themed decor. It's one of the more distinctive small venues on the ship. The intimate size means it either has a wonderful exclusivity or feels cramped, depending on the crowd.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.7/5. The Raw Bar delivers quality seafood — the oysters and Shrimp Cocktail are highlights for seafood enthusiasts. It loses points for the premium pricing, limited selection, and the freshness variability on longer sailings. Tip: Go early in the cruise (Day 1 or 2) when the seafood is freshest. Order half a dozen oysters and a glass of Champagne on the Waterfront — it's one of the most indulgent experiences on the ship.

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