Cruise lines constantly one-up each other with a dizzying array of unique diversions and offerings on board and ashore. But roller coasters, water slides and rock-climbing walls aside, what many cruisers really want is a good drink. And as the world’s third-largest cruise company, with a laser focus on its beverage programs, MSC Cruises knows a thing or two about how to pique palates on the open seas.

On MSC Euribia, named for the ancient goddess who harnessed the weather and constellations, original artwork adorns the decks and the hull. At its Helios Wine Maker, a sleek, high-tech wine bar, state-of-the- art dispensers line the walls, serving around a hundred options in tasting portions or full glasses for thirsty oenophiles seated at multitouch tables. Digital coasters display information about a wine’s history, grape varieties and region, while master classes and tastings offer an even more immersive look into what’s in your glass.

Prefer barley, malt and hops? Hit up Oceanic Brewery on MSC World Europa, the line’s first brewery at sea, located within the Masters of the Sea brewpub. It’s a collaboration with Italy’s Baladin Farm Brewery, whose master brewer, Teo Musso, created three beers crafted with desalinated water: a pils, a bitter and a wheat. Brewed year-round while the ship sails, they’re available exclusively on tap at the brewpub and other bars on the ship.

© MSC Cruises

MSC’s latest offering, World’s Greatest Bars, brings some of the most renowned global bars onto ships for six-month pop-ups to give guests the opportunity to sample the elevated technique and creative concoctions from the world’s top bar stars. The first iteration launched in April, with award-winning Barcelona bars Paradiso on MSC World Europa and Sips on MSC Euribia.

Spirit and cocktail fans can also take part in whiskey, gin, vodka and rum tastings on many of MSC’s other vessels, as well as cocktail demonstrations included in the itinerary of onboard activities. While classics like daiquiris, mojitos and spritzes remain popular, the gin and tonic is having a moment, with flavor combinations including jasmine/rose and lemongrass/ginger prepared with craft gin and premium tonics; anyone opting to go spirit-free can sip a passionfruit variation made with a gin-like alcohol-free spirit.

Beverage-focused excursions at port stops continue the journey into grape and grain. On Bermuda, guests can take a sunset cruise on the Great Sound to learn about Gosling’s Rum, during which they’ll taste three rums, learn how to prepare the iconic Dark ’n‘ Stormy cocktail and discover the secrets behind the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. On a Duval Crawl, they’ll witness the energy and variety of the bars and pubs on Key West’s main drag. And during a mixology session on Cozumel, margarita lovers learn how to make chocolate, seasonal fruit and traditional versions of the tequila tipple, then sip them alongside a tasting of tacos.

While drink selections obviously keep cruisers’ tastes (and current trends) top of mind, they’re also somewhat tailored to the region where a voyage sails. That includes the wine program, where Pinotage and Chenin Blanc pepper the list during a South African sailing, while Barolo and Bordeaux find their way onto a Mediterranean cruise.

For the ultimate floating drinks experience, book a cabin in the MSC Yacht Club, which includes amenities like a premium extra beverage package with high-end spirits and wines, premium cocktails, and Champagne, plus dedicated libations in lounges reserved for Yacht Club guests. Yacht Club staterooms are also stocked with complimentary wines, Champagne and even a guest’s favorite spirit. Now that’s the attention to detail worthy of raising a glass to Neptune.