Casino 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.

Casino Bar Review: Functional Fuel for the Tables

Introduction. The Casino Bar is the bar inside (or immediately adjacent to) The Casino on Virgin Voyages ships. Its primary purpose is keeping gamblers hydrated and happy while they play, though it also serves as a late-night drinking spot for non-gamblers looking for a bar that stays open later than most. Unlike land-based casinos, drinks are not complimentary while gambling — standard bar pricing and Bar Tab package apply. The bar stays open as long as the casino does, which typically means it is one of the last bars serving on the ship.

Drinks & Service

The drink menu is straightforward — whiskey and cola, vodka soda, draft beer, and a short list of cocktails. The old fashioned is the best order here: simple, reliable, and well-suited to slow sipping at the blackjack table. Draft beer pours are cold and quick. The espresso martini is available but better made elsewhere (try Grounds Club). Where it falls short: this is a volume bar with minimal craft ambition. Cocktails that require muddling, shaking, or multiple ingredients arrive inconsistently made. The bartenders prioritize speed and table service over cocktail artistry, which is the correct priority for a casino bar but means you should keep your order simple. Wine selection is limited to a few basic options.

Service

Floor servers circulate through the casino taking drink orders from players at the tables, which is a welcome touch. Wait times for table delivery vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the casino is. Bar-side ordering is faster. Staff are friendly and efficient — they understand that their job is to keep the gaming energy flowing. On quieter evenings, the bartender may engage in conversation; on busy nights, expect transactional service.

Atmosphere

The Casino on Virgin Voyages is more design-forward than most cruise casinos — less garish carpet and more moody lighting and modern finishes. The bar area inherits that aesthetic. The energy is late-night and slightly buzzy, with the sounds of slot machines and card tables in the background. Where it falls short: it is still a casino bar. The air quality is not as fresh as open-air or well-ventilated venues, and the atmosphere caters to a specific mood (gambling, late-night drinks) rather than social drinking. Non-gamblers may find the space less inviting.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.4/5. Casino Bar does its job — it keeps drinks flowing at the tables and serves as one of the last open bars on the ship. The old fashioned and draft beer are your best bets; skip anything complicated. It falls short on cocktail quality and atmosphere compared to the ship's showcase bars. Tip: if you are playing at the tables, flag down a floor server early and establish a regular order — they will remember you and service gets faster as the evening progresses.

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