Lola's Library

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.

Lola's Library Review: Cocktails, Characters, and Cabaret Charm

Introduction. Lola's Library is part cocktail lounge, part immersive cabaret — a No Ceilings Entertainment production where guests follow a cast of eccentric characters through an eclectic "book collection" that comes alive around them. The experience is intimate, theatrical, and thoroughly on-brand for Virgin Voyages. Set in a dedicated lounge space, it runs as a recurring event on select evenings and combines craft cocktails with interactive entertainment. Drinks are Bar Tab or per-drink pricing. It is the sequel/companion to the Booked! musical production.

Drinks & Service

The cocktails at Lola's Library are a step above the standard ship bar — themed drinks with literary-inspired names are served in interesting glassware, and the bartenders lean into the theatrical presentation. The "Plot Twist" (a gin-based cocktail with butterfly pea flower that changes color) is the visual showstopper. The "Final Chapter" (bourbon, bitters, smoked maple) is the better drink for actual sipping. The champagne is served with flair. Where it falls short: the themed cocktails prioritize spectacle over taste — some are overly sweet or rely on food coloring and garnishes for impact. The bartenders are performing as much as mixing, which means consistency varies. Standard drinks (a simple gin and tonic, a glass of wine) are also available but feel like an afterthought in this setting.

Service

The performers are the service — they circulate through the space, interact with guests, deliver lines and songs, and create the illusion of being inside a living storybook. The characters are well-developed and the performers commit fully to their roles. The interactive elements are well-calibrated — engaging without being intrusive or embarrassing. The bar staff play supporting roles in the theatrical experience, which is a clever touch. On good nights, the boundary between audience and performer blurs in a genuinely magical way.

Atmosphere

The lounge is beautifully dressed — bookshelves, moody lighting, velvet seating, and theatrical set pieces that transport you out of the cruise ship and into Lola's world. The intimacy of the space (limited capacity) means every guest feels close to the action. The music shifts from jazz to cabaret to pop depending on the scene. Where it falls short: the experience is short (approximately 45 minutes) and leaves you wanting more. The intimate capacity means it books up fast — availability can be limited, especially on shorter voyages. The narrative is thin, which means the experience leans heavily on the performers' charisma. When the cast is strong, it is enchanting; when energy is lower, it feels like a themed bar with occasional interruptions.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.0/5. Lola's Library is a charming, creative experience that blends cocktails and immersive theater in a way that feels unique to Virgin Voyages. The performances are engaging, the setting is beautiful, and the themed drinks add to the atmosphere. It falls short on drink quality (spectacle over substance), runtime (too short), and availability (books up fast). Tip: book through the app as early as possible — this is one of the first experiences to fill up, and walk-ins are rarely possible.

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