Royal Caribbean & Starbucks Start Brewing Aboard Oasis of the Seas

There was a time when you couldn’t get a decent cup of coffee at sea. At some point most cruise ships switched from ground coffee to a syrup base for brewing and the resulting java was often not drinkable. Happily, the tide has been turning for coffee lovers in recent years. Although they are paying the price for specialty coffee, they don’t seem to mind because they are accustomed to it ashore. Count Cruise Diva among those who are happy to enjoy a good cup of Joe, even at an additional cost.

One of the leaders in the name brand coffee trend, Royal Caribbean has announced that guests aboard the cruise line’s Oasis of the Seas are now able to enjoy their favorite individually brewed espresso beverage at the ship’s new Starbucks® store. Royal Caribbean premiered the first Starbucks at sea aboard sister-ship Allure of the Seas, when she launched in December 2010. Through a licensing agreement between Starbucks Coffee Company and Royal Caribbean, the second Starbucks at sea is now open aboard Oasis of the Seas.

“We are glad to feature the world’s only two Starbucks® stores at sea on our two largest cruise ships,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean Intl. “Starbucks is a huge hit on Allure of the Seas and the new Starbucks® store aboard Oasis of the Seas is sure to be equally as successful. It’s in bringing such established and well-regarded brands to our guests which helps make a Royal Caribbean cruise the most contemporary vacation experience, what we call the Royal Advantage.”

As fully licensed stores, the Starbucks aboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas offer the coffee company’s menu of signature and seasonal beverages prepared by trained baristas, as well as food and a selection of Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew products. Located at the forward end of the Royal Promenade between the On-Air Club and Boleros Latin-themed lounge, the Starbucks® stores aboard both ships are open from 7 am to 11 pm daily and pricing is a la carte.

Photo Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International