Skyline Lounge

There is no argument that the nightlife on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are far better than on the "Classic Ships". When the Dream began sailing, Skyline Lounge became a popular hangout for a late evening or pre-dinner cocktail. It quickly became crowded and that's when Disney realized that it needed a bit more space on the Disney Fantasy.

Skyline Lounge is literally a room with a view... the panorama of windows show detailed views of different countries that change every few minutes. These "windows to the world" are astounding in detail. If you look closely at the London panorama you'll see Mickey Mouse waving to you from the Captains room at a luxury hotel. Other fun things include pedestrians in Jedi robes and other interesting "other worldly" guests checking in to hotels.

The drinks here are, in my opinion, the best onboard. The bartenders know how to mix a proper drink and the menu options offer something for each country. The menus light up (usually-I seemed to always get the one that needed a battery change!) so they are easily readable, beautiful and incredibly classy, they fit right in with the theme of Skyline Lounge.

While we were able to sample some of the menu we, unfortunately didn't get through the whole thing. Everyone in the lounge was ordering different drinks throughout the evening and every single one looked delicious. I can personally speak for the Paris 75 which was my perfect drink: not too sweet and nice and sneaky (no overbearing alcohol taste even though the drink is strong). The Catalan is also delicious and has a very berry flavor taste.

A brave member of my party tried the El Conquistador which is: Tanqueray Gin, Absolut Peppar, Fresh Muddled Strawberry, Basil and Fresh Cracked Pepper, did I mention that she was brave? This drink sounded very unusual and since I don't like strawberry or spice this one clearly wasn't for me. At first taste she almost wrote the drink off as the muddled strawberry sank to the bottom the first sip was a mouth full of Peppar. After the drink was stirred this foodie friend of mine enjoyed the unusual mix of spicy and sweet in this concoction from Barcelona.

During a martini tasting on a previous cruise I realized that I loathe Gin. It's just too strong for me and I feel like I could breathe fire after drinking something that contains Gin. Adding olive juice doesn't help, I hate olives so clearly the Gin martini is not for me. The Londinium (aptly named as it's in the London section of the menu) this was the first drink containing Gin that I actually found quite enjoyable. This amazing drink is the perfect mix of No 3 London Dry Gin, Freshly Muddled Lemon, Orange Lime, Mango Puree and Champagne. Reminiscent of a Mimosa or Bellini (minus the peach flavor) the Champagne gives this drink the perfect amount of bubble. The Champagne comes on the side in an adorable little Murano glass creamer style pot and you add it yourself. Something about adding the bubbles to your own drink is thrilling and it tastes amazing as well. This drink was really well balanced. I was worried that the amount of citrus in there would be overwhelming but the Mango puree cut down the sourness from the lime and lemon and the Champagne and Gin were a great combination.

The Skyline Lounge is the perfect night spot. You can meet up with a group of friends at one of the cozy corner booths or pull up a chair at the bar. The staff is very friendly and well trained and the bartender is the best on the ship. The changing scenery is intriguing and relaxing and you truly feel transported around the world with every site and sip. This isn't a hoity-toity bar where you have to whisper like a mouse, groups of friends (new and old) gathered here nightly for a night-cap to catch up on the day and library volume voices were not necessary.

After catching a glimpse of the views from the "windows of the world" I've added quite a few destinations to my bucket list!