Cruise Industry Upgrades Coffee for Australian Travelers: A Brewing Revolution at Sea

Published on August 29, 2025

For many Australians, cruise ship coffee has been a long-standing issue. The traditional drip coffee served onboard was often bitter, cold, and far from satisfying. As a nation known for its love of high-quality coffee, it’s no surprise that Aussies have expressed dissatisfaction with the coffee offerings on cruise ships for years.

However, this sentiment is now changing, as cruise lines begin to recognize the growing demand for better coffee. Whether it’s through partnerships with renowned coffee brands or enhancing their onboard offerings, the coffee culture on cruises is rapidly evolving.

Cruise Lines Respond to Aussies’ Coffee Demands

Historically, coffee on cruise ships has been basic at best. Many vessels used catering urns or push-button machines typically found in hotel breakfast rooms. But with the rise of coffee-savvy travelers, especially Australians, cruise lines are stepping up their game.

• Specialty Coffee at an Additional Cost: Many cruise lines now offer specialty coffee at a price. Even the most budget-friendly ships like those from Carnival and Royal Caribbean now feature coffee bars. These serve a variety of options, including espressos and lattes, providing a step up from the standard drip coffee.
• Partnerships with Major Coffee Brands: To meet the demands for better coffee, many cruise lines have partnered with respected brands. For example, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line collaborate with Starbucks, while Princess Cruises has teamed up with Lavazza.
• A More Premium Experience: Premium cruise lines like Oceania Cruises and Silversea are also embracing higher-quality brews, including brands like Illy and Caffe Vergnano. These lines are known for providing an exceptional coffee experience, which appeals to those who prioritize quality in their onboard offerings.

Coffee Brands Elevating the Experience

The move towards better coffee options is not just about adding variety but also about quality. Cruise lines are now selecting high-grade beans to ensure a premium experience for coffee lovers.

• Costa Cruises: In 2021, Costa Cruises collaborated with the Italian coffee brand Caffe Vergnano. This partnership introduced Italian-style coffee, available at dedicated cafes on Costa ships.
• Princess Cruises: As part of its efforts to bring better coffee to passengers, Princess Cruises partnered with Lavazza in 2023. Lavazza is a recognized name in the coffee industry, known for delivering an authentic Italian coffee experience.
• Virgin Voyages: Newer to the scene, Virgin Voyages offers an exciting selection of high-quality coffee at its Coffee Grounds Cafe. The company works with Intelligentsia, a Chicago-based roaster that specializes in single-origin, high-quality beans. Virgin’s approach is tailored to offer European-style coffee that focuses on flavor rather than sugary additions.

Luxury and Premium Options for Coffee Lovers

For those cruising on luxury or premium lines, the coffee options are nothing short of exceptional.

• Seabourn: This luxury line uses Illy for its coffee offerings, ensuring top-notch espresso and other brews. They even serve boutique coffee from La Rica in their French-press options.
• Silversea and Oceania Cruises: These cruise lines also favor Illy, providing a refined coffee experience onboard with dedicated venues like Barista and Arts Cafe.

What’s Next for Coffee on Cruise Ships?

As coffee culture continues to evolve, it is expected that cruise lines will continue to innovate and refine their offerings. More ships are likely to feature high-quality, single-origin coffee from reputable roasters around the world. In addition, many luxury cruise lines are incorporating coffee machines in cabins, ensuring that passengers enjoy top-tier coffee whenever they wish.

Moreover, the addition of Cafe Nation aboard Celestyal Cruises’ ships further expands coffee choices. The brand will be offering a selection of five single-origin coffees starting in 2025. Such initiatives are likely to attract an even broader range of coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a specialized, high-quality coffee experience during their travels.

Coffee and Tourism: A New Trend?

The cruise industry is increasingly recognizing the role of coffee in enhancing the overall guest experience. As global coffee culture continues to grow, the cruise sector’s move toward better coffee is part of a broader trend in the hospitality and tourism industry, where consumer expectations for food and beverage experiences are higher than ever.

Conclusion

In response to a longstanding complaint, the cruise industry is making significant strides to improve its coffee offerings. From budget to luxury cruises, the addition of quality coffee options—from espresso to single-origin brews—is changing the onboard experience for coffee lovers. Whether on a budget line or a luxury vessel, Australians can now enjoy a better cup of coffee at sea.