Blended, boozy concoctions definitely hit differently when you’re sunbathing on the pool deck. But sometimes you might want more from your onboard beverage experience than an umbrella-garnished frozen daiquiri. Here are five tips to help you find a better-made drink, wherever you’re sailing:

FIND THE QUIET BAR
On many ships, there’s no shortage of packed pool bars or busy lounges. Worth seeking out, though, are more serene spots which often tout more elevated menus, better glassware and craftier bartenders (who aren’t slammed with orders and can chat through the list.) Vintages Wine Bar on Royal Caribbean is a laid-back spot perfect for reading or conversation over a glass of Rioja, while The Dock on Virgin Voyages serves spritzes to guests on daybeds taking in the view of the soothing, almost meditative wake the ship leaves behind.

SLIP INTO A SPEAKEASY
Cruise lines are finally jumping on the trend launched by the modern cocktail renaissance, with invitation-only, secret bars accessible via phone booths or from a corridor in the crew’s quarters. MSC World Europa has one, ditto for the new Celebrity Xcel, aptly dubbed “IYKYK.” Do a little sleuthing online before embarkation day to see if one exists and how you get access, which might require hinting to a butler or concierge or befriending some frequent cruisers with loyalty status.

EXPLORE ASHORE
Your itinerary might deliver you to locales world-renowned for wine, spirits or beer; take advantage of your time in port to tour and taste at a winery or distillery. Windstar’s Star Legend sometimes sails from Barbados — the birthplace of rum — while Viking vessels on the Spain & Portugal Discovery itinerary stop in Porto in Portugal, where you can tour traditional port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. On small lines like Unforgettable Croatia, you can get schooled in Croatian grapes such as Plavac Mali and Grk during stops in Hvar and Korčula.

RETHINK THE DRINKS PACKAGE
Immediately after you book your trip, you may get bombarded with offers to purchase a beverage package. Although it can be a good deal (especially if the price is slashed because of a great promotion), think it through before you plunk down your credit card. Often, premium wines and spirits will incur a surcharge, and you may be spending a lot of your time eating and drinking off the ship anyway. It might make sense to pay as you go.

SIP ON YOUR BALCONY
If you’ve splurged on a stateroom with outside space, take full advantage of it. Turn sushi rolls and a bottle of bubbles into a sea-day ritual, or watch the sun dip below a portion of the 360-degree horizon while sipping a pre-dinner Manhattan. Sometimes the best spot for a drink is no further than your door, and the smartest move is skipping the bar altogether.