Royal Caribbean’s Pesky Parrot blends beverage innovation with cocktail familiarity

As guests discover the grandness of Utopia of the Seas, they might be diverted on their journey as soon as they step on board. Royal Caribbean’s Pesky Parrot is a smart addition to the bar lineup, and it epitomizes the “weekend vibes” with every sip.

With its most recent ship launches, Royal Caribbean puts its beverage program and its innovation front and center. It is more than the coffee-focused Rye and Bean on board Icon of the Seas or the visually compelling garnishes, including the PB&J sandwiches at Mason Jar. What the Royal Caribbean team does best is beverage innovation without guest alienation.

Although that statement might not necessarily be phrase used by team or even used in literature, the reality is that the concept can be sipped in every offering on board Utopia of the Seas. The nuance of offering the familiar while still pushing the guest to expand their horizons is key to capturing that memorable experience. A weekend offers endless opportunities, and the vibe is all about embracing the moment.

Specifically at Royal Caribbean’s Pesky Parrot, the beverage team blends the familiar and the innovative. While the first glimpse might have people assuming the traditional Polynesian Tiki reference, this bar and its signature beverages are Caribbean through and through. The island vibe influences the flavor, the presentation, and even the state of mind.

During the Naming Cruise, I had an opportunity to not only sample the various cocktails on the menu but also to talk with the Royal Caribbean beverage team about the inspiration behind the special offerings.

Even before the first cocktail is ordered, guests are welcomed into the space where all the cares seem to float away, like a warm island breeze. Although there are elements that might be a little kitschy or offer that weekend party vibe, the Pesky Parrot is never gimmicky just for effect. Everything has a reason, purpose, and impact.

That idea even starts with the menu itself. While the circular menu stands out on the bar or the table, it is more than just height. For the undecided patron, they can take a chance and roll the menu to determine their beverage fate. Unlike those other wheels of fortune, this one always delivers a flavorful sipper.

Overall, the beverage selection blends the familiar with the innovative. For example, the frozen cocktails are meant to be quick pours, but the flavors are far from simplistic. The best example is the pina colada.

While Royal Caribbean Head of Beverage Operations and Innovation, Ed Eiswirth, has often tried to push guests beyond the cruise lines uber popular cocktail, this pina colada is a must try. Made with Skrewball Whiskey, the flavor channels an ingredient combination that can be found in many Asian dishes. Many recipes combine coconut and peanut butter. After that first sip, the flavor connects with a taste memory and all the experiences come flooding back.

The Pina Colada with Skrewball Whiskey is a great example what Pesky Parrot does best. There is innovation, familiar, and enticing all in a glass. While there is always time for the perennial favorites, these weekend vibes are meant to embrace all the possibilities.

Additionally, the Pesky Parrot continues a beverage element that Icon of the Seas started, the importance of the cocktail presentation, specifically the garnishes. From the edible flowers to the particular glasses, these are the beverages that will be captured for posterity. People will want to linger a little longer to enjoy that sip and show off that memory worthy cocktail with everyone when they return home.  

And, there is a little whimsy shaken into the experience, too. For example, several of the frozen cocktail use an edible straw. For anyone who has been Desserted on Icon of the Seas, they might recall the edible straws.

In these “adult” beverages, the edible straws not only enhance the overall flavor but also add to the overall experience. The ultimate eco-friendly straw is an edible one.

Lastly, another element will be coming to Pesky Parrot, Brian the Parrot. Although no animal can ever take the place of Icon of the Seas’ Rover, Brian will spark some spirited conversations.

During a media conference, there is an element to a “talking” parrot that will have some memorable commentary for guests. Whether Brian is a flocked “funcle” or the crazy cousin that is the life of the party remains to be seen. But, it is another example how Utopia of the Seas offers the ultimate party vibes during a short cruise vacation.

Ready to step into those weekend vibes on Utopia of the Seas? Royal Caribbean as a bar stool that is waiting for guests' next vacation.

Utopia of the Seas currently departs on short duration cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida. More information on itineraries and availablity can be found on the Royal Caribbean website.