carnival firenze bars
We love spending time at the bar near the aft pool, especially on days when the ship is docked and seating is easy to find. The bartenders here are truly skilled, crafting drinks with care and a friendly smile. Watching them work is part of the fun, and we’ve picked up some great tips from their impressive techniques.
Onboard, there are places like the Amari Bar where expert bartenders create unique cocktails from a wide range of ingredients, making each drink special. Between relaxing with our favorite drinks, exploring the ship’s shops, and trying our luck at the casino, there’s always something to enjoy during our cruise days.
Atmosphere at the Aft Pool Bar
Buzz and Crowd During the Day
During sea days, the aft pool bar gets packed quickly, making it tough to find a seat. On port days, though, we usually have plenty of space to relax. The vibe is lively but comfortable, and it’s always a treat to watch the bartenders work their magic.
Design and Seating Choices
The bar is right at the ship’s rear next to the pool, giving great views while you sip your drink. There are several seating options around the bar area, perfect for groups or those just wanting to unwind solo. The layout encourages a fun, social atmosphere without feeling cramped.
Expert Bartending and Signature Cocktails
Engaging Bartender Skills and Flair
We love watching the bartenders at work because they bring energy and skill to every drink they make. Their friendly smiles and smooth moves make the experience even better. Some even show us cool tricks while crafting our orders, turning each drink into a little performance.
Tailoring Drinks to Your Taste
If you ask nicely, the bartenders will whip up a specialty drink just for you. They have access to a wide variety of ingredients like herbs, syrups, and even glitter to add that extra touch. Whether you want classic favorites or something unique, they customize beverages to fit your cravings.
Must-Try Drinks Onboard
Our go-to is the Funship, a fruity rum cocktail that has become a tradition. Margaritas made by Cornelius are especially memorable—one of the best we’ve ever had. Other popular picks include the Bahama Mama and custom creations that blend tropical flavors in delicious ways.
| Drink Name | Description | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Funship | Rum-based, fruity, sweet | Fans of classic tropical sips |
| Margarita | Perfectly balanced, fresh | Those who love a sharp citrus twist |
| Bahama Mama | Tropical mix, sweet | Anyone wanting a vacation vibe |
Drink Deals and Ordering Strategies
Weighing Package Perks Versus Buying Drinks Individually
When choosing drinks, you can either go for a drinks package or buy each drink on its own. The drink package lets us enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks daily without worrying about the price per drink. If we skip the package, we just pay for each drink as we order it.
Buying À La Carte gives more flexibility but can add up fast, while the package suits those who want to sip regularly without counting costs.
| Option | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks Package | Fixed cost; up to 15 drinks/day | Must want enough drinks to justify price |
| À La Carte | Order only what we want | Can get expensive with many orders |
How to Get the Most Out of Your Drink Plan
To make the most of our drink package, we should plan our orders smartly. Ordering specialty cocktails or premium mixed drinks offers the best value since these drinks usually cost more individually.
We can also enjoy watching the bartenders craft drinks with impressive skill and creativity, sometimes even getting custom creations if we ask nicely. Taking advantage of less busy times, like port days with more seating, means a more relaxed experience.
Tips for maximizing benefits:
- Choose drinks with multiple ingredients.
- Ask for specialty or custom drinks.
- Time your visits to avoid crowds.
- Enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for your drink.
Using these strategies, we can enjoy our favorite cocktails while making sure the drink package pays off.
Discovering the Amari Bar Atmosphere
Distinctive Drinks and Favorites
At the back of the ship by the aft pool, the bar bustles during sea days. On port days, there’s more space to grab a seat and enjoy watching the bartenders craft their drinks. We love their famous Fun Ship cocktail, a rum-heavy fruity mix, as well as the margaritas and Bahama Mamas. Their drink skills stand out with every order made happily and expertly.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The variety of ingredients here is impressive. They use unique powders, syrups, herbs like rosemary sprigs, and even glitter for decoration. It’s fun to watch the bartenders add these special touches, making every drink visually appealing and flavorful.
The People Behind the Bar
We’ve had the chance to meet some amazing bartenders like Cornelius and Olivia. Cornelius is known for his fantastic margaritas, often called the best around, and he’s been part of the experience for over a decade. These bartenders can whip up any drink you want, including custom creations, all served with friendly smiles.
Unforgettable Moments with the Ship’s Team
Catching Up with Cornelius
We’ve known Cornelius for over a decade, first meeting him on the Carnival Sunshine. It’s always exciting to see him again, whether on the Jubilee or now on the Firenze. Cornelius makes incredible drinks and always greets us with a smile, making every visit feel special and familiar.
Custom Drink Picks Just for Us
Watching the bartenders craft drinks is a real treat. Cornelius once surprised us with a unique rummy, coconut, and fruity mix that wasn’t a Fun Ship but tasted fantastic. Tony swears by his margaritas, saying it’s the best he’s ever had, all thanks to the personalized touch from Cornelius and the team.
Carnival Shop Must-Haves
Official Carnival Merchandise and Keepsakes
In the shop, we find a variety of Carnival-branded goodies perfect for souvenirs or gifts. From teddy bears in captain outfits and Funship Freddy plush toys to shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and tank tops, there’s something for everyone who loves Carnival.
They also stock practical items like shot glasses, magnets, and lanyards—all proudly displaying the Carnival logo. If you want a special keepsake or a gift for family and friends, this is the spot to pick it up.
Traveler-Friendly Items to Make Life Easier
For those of us who tend to shop a little extra, the shop offers luggage bags and tote bags to help carry our purchases. It’s handy if your suitcase is getting full or if you want a durable bag for day-to-day use on the ship.
These practical choices complement the fun stuff, making sure we have what we need while cruising comfortably.
Enjoying Casino Games and Playing Responsibly
Slot Machines and Classic Table Gaming
We love trying our luck on a variety of slot machines, with choices for every budget. Our onboard card makes it easy to load funds right into the machines, so no need for cash. Table games like blackjack and craps add extra excitement, and there’s even a non-smoking section for a fresh-air experience.
Collecting Perks and Player Rewards
Playing can come with rewards! Many of us earn points through our casino play, sometimes enough to score free cruises or drinks. Different cruise lines have unique programs, so checking your player benefits is a smart move to maximize fun and rewards.
Smoke-Free Casino Atmosphere
For those of us who prefer clean air, the casino offers a non-smoking area. It’s smaller but inviting, keeping the environment pleasant without cigarette smoke. This makes hanging out and playing even more enjoyable for everyone.
Keeping Up With Cruise Fun and Drinks
We love hanging out at the aft bar near the pool, especially on port days when seating is easy to find. Watching the bartenders craft drinks with a smile is part of the fun. Our go-to is the Funship—rummy and fruity—but sometimes we switch it up with a Bahama Mama or Tony’s favorite margarita.
If you have a drinks package, you can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks daily. Without it, you can still buy drinks a la carte. The bartenders know their craft and can whip up almost anything, even special requests if you ask nicely.
On the Italian ships, the Amari Bar offers a unique experience with bartenders in white coats mixing inventive drinks. They use all kinds of herbs, syrups, and garnishes, making each beverage a little show in itself.
We always stop by the Carnival shop to pick up souvenirs like shirts, hats, and even little luggage bags to carry our finds. It’s the perfect place for Carnival-branded goodies.
For those who enjoy gambling, the casino offers various slot machines and table games. You can easily load money onto your Sail & Sign card, and some players earn points toward free cruises or drinks. The casino atmosphere is relaxed and smoke-free, making it an enjoyable spot to unwind.
