Ahoy Sober Matey! Carnival Cruise Line recently revealed its partnership with Lyre’s on March 14, 2023, to offer non-alcoholic cocktails while hitting the wide-open sea (source). Now nondrinkers can have the inclusive feeling that drinkers do with a full range of adult beverage choices sans alcohol. Although many refer to this growing demand for alcoholic alternatives as a trend, this NA movement is here to stay.

The Alchemy Bar is the place to be aboard Carnival Cruise ships if you like to be entertained by mixologists showing off their craft. Seven NA cocktails will be available: the Martini Seduction, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini, The Remedy, Hearts of Fire, Restorative Basil Drop, The Perfect Storm, and the Cucumber Sunrise.

Traveling Sober

As a non-drinking traveler who enjoys vacationing in all-inclusive spaces, this announcement of the world’s 2nd leading cruise line (source) partnering with a NA vendor is monumental. Our social spaces are finally shifting towards decentralizing alcohol or, at the very least, providing alternatives. These days, adults enjoy relaxing and socializing sans booze while waking up refreshed on their next vacation day.

According to the American Medical Association, approximately 35% of adults abstained from alcohol during Dry January 2022 (AHA). This number is projected to continue as more adults pursue a healthier lifestyle and re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol.

What a Trip!

Our most recent travel to an all-inclusive resort marketed as having mixologists on staff did nothing to accommodate our alcohol-free lifestyle. This nameless resort was contacted specifically before our booking to inquire about NA alternatives, and we were assured that the request could and would be accommodated.

When we hit our lounge chairs that first day and excitedly asked for a NA drink menu, we were shocked that our waiter had no clue what we were talking about. Our drink options came back as pina colada or other syrupy concoctions without alcohol. We made the best of it by getting creative, but it is 2023, and all-inclusive resorts need to catch up.

A mixologist is defined as a person who is skilled at mixing cocktails (Oxford). This differs from a bartender, who is a person who mixes and serves drinks at a bar. From my experience, use caution with equating resort mixologists meaning staff that understand how to make NA alternatives. Come prepared with NA options to educate the staff while traveling. Use pictures to communicate the ingredients you want: herbs (basil, mint), fruit (grapefruit, mango, pineapple), spicy (jalapeno, cayenne), and various bases (mineral water vs. sparkling soda water)

All-Inclusive Needs to Actually BE Inclusive

We always get asked why we choose to vacation in all-inclusive spaces because we don’t drink. The answer is simple, for the same reasons drinkers do. No planning of the day is required. Full actual rest and relaxation. Various dining options and loaded entertainment on site. Teenagers are contained and safe, not venturing off the resort grounds.

Props to Carnival Cruise Line for taking the initiative to create more inclusive spaces for non-drinkers. Other all-inclusive spaces are slowly starting to follow suit. Keep speaking up and advocating for NA choices. The more the travel industry hears from the consumers, the better they can meet our needs.

Simple NA 3-4 Ingredient Drink Ideas When Traveling

NA Mojito

Fresh lime juice
Soda Water
Simple sugar
Mint leaves (muddle) and garnish

NA Basil Grapefruit

Fresh grapefruit juice
Soda water
Honey
Basil leaves (muddle) and garnish

NA Jalapeno

Any juice (mango, passion fruit)
Fresca or lemon-lime soda
Jalapeno (muddle) and go light

NA Sunrise

Orange juice
Lemon-lime soda
Grenadine

Lemon and Lime Anytime – spruce up your poolside water

Lemon
Lime
Water
Mint to garnish

HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Go on a Booze-Free Bender with The Sober Curator and Lyre’s Lovingly Crafted Non-Alcoholic Spirits

WHAT A TRIP! We trip as often as possible because travel is our jam! Here you’ll find insider information, tips, and honest reviews from a sober perspective. The pandemic is messing with our future tripping mojo, but no worries. We have plenty of really good trips from our past to share. So, come…. SOBER TRIP WITH US!

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Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.