The people we met and their stories were definitely the most interesting and special aspects of our week during the cruise. From the serious cruisers who take 5+ cruise trips with Celebrity a year (one couple we met was staying onboard an additional week to go around the same Caribbean route again just because they love being on the ship–I have to admit I was jealous), to the exceptional staff on board including the Captain who we had the chance to get to know a little–everyone had their own unique story, and if you didn’t take the time to chat them up you were definitely missing out. The Captain for instance told us about spending Christmas on the ship with his family. His 6 year old son got out of school (in Greece) for the holidays to join his father on the ship.
One of our go-to spots for meeting and chatting with the staff and guests was Michael’s Club. This sophisticated and exclusive lounge quickly became our first stop for pre-dinner cocktails and light bites especially after befriending the head bartender, Miki, who liked to surprise us with his alcoholic concoctions. Miki is from Serbia but before boarding Celebrity worked as a bartender in Dubai for several years. He liked to make us popular drinks from all over Europe to try which was fun. Two in particular that my guy and I continuously ordered were: a whiskey based Sazerac (for him) and a gin based Martinez (for myself).
His: Sazerac
1 sugar cube
2 1/2 ounces rye whisky
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
absinthe
lemon peel
Hers: Martinez
1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
1.5 oz Sweet vermouth
.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
2 dashes Angostura Bitters