Did you know that there is a secret bar on a cruise ship, hidden from everyone and not shown on the deck plans?
This hidden bar is only accessible through a secret passageway! I was there last summer, so I’ll tell you exactly where it is and how to get in.
Where is the secret bar?
Some of you have probably already seen it around, but for those who didn’t know, it’s on MSC World Europa, one of MSC’s biggest and newest ships.
The bar is located on deck 6, behind a red London-style booth.
This is the entrance, but the bar is located one floor below. A staff member will open the door behind the cabin, and you’ll have to go down the stairs and follow a small hallway to reach the actual bar.
During the day, there may be a barrier in front of the phone booth. Unsuspecting tourists use it to take souvenir photos during their cruise, and only a few know what’s hidden behind it.
Now that they know where the bar is, it’s time to face the real challenge: getting inside. This isn’t your typical bar where you just open the door. There’s a much more elaborate setup, but you can crack it with just two simple tips.
How to Get In
The first thing to know is that it’s an invitation-only bar. Without that invite, you’re not getting in.
So, what do you need to do? Obviously, you have to get your hands on this mysterious invitation. The invite is actually a token (you can see an example below), and on the back, there’s a QR code you’ll need to scan in order to book your spot at the bar.
How can you get one? That’s the tricky part. Not everyone manages to, and there’s no official way. But from what I’ve learned, there are a few possible methods.
Some lucky passengers have found the invitation tokens in their cabins, especially in suites or higher-category rooms.
Others have received them after spending quite a bit on board, either at the shops or specialty venues.
Another thing I recommend is asking the crew. Many of them have tokens to hand out and sometimes give them to select guests.
From what I’ve heard, one of the easiest ways to get one is by visiting the gin bar “Gin Project” on Deck 8, that spot seems to be a common source for invitations.
Obviously, it’s still a bar that needs to sell drinks, so the cruise line tends to prioritize giving out invitations to guests who enjoy cocktails, especially those who go for more refined or premium drinks.
What to do once you’ve got the token?
When you have the token the hardest part is behind you. Scan the QR code on the back and you can reserve your entry time.
You will be given a code or keyword that you must then say to the phone located in the red booth.
Shortly afterward, someone will come to open the door and lead you to the “Speakeasy” bar.
How is the Speakeasy bar inside?
The area is themed as a retro-style bar replicating aspects of historical speakeasies that became widespread during Prohibition.
The lights are dim, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there is good live music. The bar also offers some special cocktails, but drink packages are not valid, so the price of drinks will be charged to your onboard account.
It’s definitely an interesting idea from MSC. It is nice to be able to discover a hidden and exclusive part of the ship, and the whole game-like experience is a fun way to shake things up and spend some time onboard a little differently.
I don’t think there has ever been a secret bar on a cruise ship before, so one more point to MSC for the innovative idea.
The only downside? The fact that you can’t use any drink package, not even the Deluxe one (they could’ve at least included the highest-tier package).
Drink costs around 16/18 euros but, as far as I know, it is not mandatory to buy anything. You can just stay there and enjoy the vibe and the live music!
Here’s the menu below in case you’re curious and want to check it out.
In addition, if you have never traveled or are thinking of returning to MSC, I recommend you look at the updated ship rankings!
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
