MSC pool bars are one of the quickest ways to flip the “work brain” off and turn vacation mode on.
But here’s the thing: not all MSC pool bars feel the same. The main pool bar is basically the center of the ship’s daytime party ecosystem. The Jungle Pool or Botanic Garden bar can feel like a tropical resort that just happens to have a glass roof. And on newer ships, the adults-only aft bar is the quiet “wake views and a spritz” option that feels like a hidden upgrade.
This guide breaks down the main pool and sun deck bar types you’ll see on MSC ships, what each one is best for, how to avoid lines, and the sneaky “poolside extras” that can add up fast. To find the best spots to grab a drink, check out our MSC On-board Bar Guide.
The three pool bar types you’ll run into most often
Bar names vary by ship, but the concepts are consistent. Think of it like choosing the right neighborhood on the ship.
The Main Pool Bar (Mar Azul, Miami Beach Bar, and similar)
This is the loudest and busiest pool bar on most MSC ships, and it’s designed that way. It’s also the bar you’ll find on every MSC ship.
You’re usually steps away from the main pool, big sun deck seating areas, and the ship’s daytime action – sailaway parties, deck games, dance sessions, and cruise staff-led activities. Expect high energy, faster service, and a steady stream of people ordering classic vacation drinks.
If you want to feel like you’re “in the middle of it all,” this is your spot.
Best for: frozen drinks, quick refills, people-watching, sea-day party energy
Expect: upbeat playlists or a DJ, loud and active, crowds at peak times
The Jungle Pool Bar / Botanic Garden Bar (Magrodome area)
This is the underrated MVP pool bar on a lot of MSC ships.
The vibe of the room is tropical and lush, with greenery and a retractable glass roof often called the Magrodome. It feels outdoorsy, but protected. When the weather is perfect, it’s just a beautiful alternate pool zone. When the weather is not perfect, it becomes the most popular “outdoor” bar on the ship. There’s typically more kids in the room, but the bar is generally emptier than the outdoor bar.
On rainy days, windy sea days, or chilly Atlantic crossings, this bar can be busier because it still gives you light, views, and a pool-adjacent vibe without you getting blasted by wind.
Best for: all-weather cruising, families, “outdoor feel” without the weather risk
Expect: a more relaxed pace than the main pool bar, but it can get busy when conditions aren’t ideal outside
The Adults-Only Aft Bar (common on Seaside, Meraviglia and World class ships)
On newer MSC ship classes, you’ll often find an adults-only bar at the aft (back) of the ship near an adults-only sun deck.
This is the calm choice. The soundtrack is mostly the ocean. The “show” is the wake. It’s more about quiet conversation, a breeze, and watching the ship cut through the water than it is about deck games and daytime hype.
It’s also strictly 18+. While the pool area is generally quiet and chill, the bar area near the pool will get busy during sea days and will be anywhere from quiet (evening time) to loud and raucous (middle of a sea day)
If you want a sunset spritz, a quiet cocktail, or a pool bar that feels like a reset button, this is the one.
Best for: wake views, calm vibes, sunset drinks, avoiding crowds
Expect: a quieter atmosphere, fewer kids, and slower-but-peaceful service
Comparison chart: Which MSC pool bar should you choose?
| Bar Type | Vibe | Unique Factor | Best For | When It’s Most Popular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Pool Bar (Mar Azul, Miami Beach Bar, etc.) | High-energy, party-adjacent, busiest | Center of deck games + activities | Frozen drinks, fast refills, being in the action | Sailaway, midday sea days |
| Jungle Pool / Botanic Garden Bar (Magrodome) | Tropical, resort-like, “outdoor but covered” | True all-weather pool bar | Rainy days, windy sea days, families, calmer pool time | Bad weather days, cooler crossings |
| Adults-Only Aft Bar (18+) | Quiet, scenic, relaxed | Wake views + adults-only access | Sunset spritz, quiet cocktail, escaping the chaos | Late afternoon and sunset |
What to order at MSC pool bars (and how to order smarter)
Pool bars are built for volume, so the menu tends to lean toward classic, crowd-pleasing drinks.
Frozen drinks are the obvious move, but if you don’t love sweet cocktails, you have options.
If you like frozen drinks:
- Piña colada-style drinks
- Daiquiri-style drinks
- Frozen margarita-style drinks
If you want something less sugary:
- Vodka soda (with lime)
- Gin and tonic
- Rum and soda (or rum and cola if you want easy)
- Spritz-style drinks when available
Not just drinks: The “poolside plus” that surprises people
This is where MSC pool time gets sneaky – in a fun way, but still sneaky.
Gelato and sorbets (often near the pool)
On many ships, especially Seaside class, you’ll find an integrated Venchi gelato counter near the pool areas.
It’s a fantastic sea-day treat, and it also creates one of the most common “wait… that’s extra?” moments onboard.
A good rule:
- Your drink package may cover the cocktails.
- The gelato is usually an extra charge.
- Yacht Club guests often have more included, depending on the sailing.
Soft serve
On certain ships and itineraries, MSC offers soft serve near pool areas, either self-serve or staff-served.
It’s a big hit with families and is generally included as part of your fare.
Drink package tips at the pool bar (the stuff that actually matters)
Pool bars are one of the easiest places to get value from a drink package because you tend to order more frequently without thinking. But there are a few practical things to know.
First, MSC pool bars typically serve drinks in high-quality shatterproof plastic rather than glass. That’s a safety decision, not a “cut corners” decision, and it’s normal.
Second, what triggers surprise charges is usually one of these:
- Premium spirit swaps inside a “standard” cocktail
- Specialty “signature” drinks that use an excluded label
- Souvenir cups
The best low-stress approach:
If you’re using a package and you’re unsure, ask the bartender before they pour. It’s a two-second question that saves you from an annoying bill later.
How to avoid lines and get better service
On sea days, pool bars can get slammed. The easiest hack is distance.
If the main pool bar line is long, walking 2 to 3 minutes to the Jungle/Botanic bar or the aft bar can save you several minutes. Many guests simply don’t move once they find a lounger, which makes the closest bar feel dramatically worse than the others. Altneratively, wait for the wait staff to make their rounds to you and order from your lounger.
A few timing tips that consistently work:
- Expect peak crowds midday on sea days
- Late afternoon can be a lull while many guests shower and prep for dinner
- Port days can feel like you rented the ship, especially mid-afternoon
Final takeaway: Pick the bar that matches your day
If you want energy, go main pool. If you want the best backup plan that might become your favorite, go Jungle/Botanic. If you want calm and views, go aft adults-only.
And if you’re cruising on a week where weather is unpredictable, the Jungle or Magrodome bar is worth learning on day one. It can save a sea day.