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The Best Cruise Lines for Wine Lovers in 2023 !
Cruise Snitch •
Onique Campbell
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The Best Cruise Lines for Wine Lovers in 2023
In 2023, there are several cruise lines that stand out as the best options for wine lovers. From curated wine lists to onboard sommeliers, these cruise lines offer an unparalleled experience for oenophiles.
Choose Your Topic:
- Seabourn Cruises: With sommeliers ready to pour you the perfect glass to match your meal, Seabourn Cruises offers highly rated international wines, champagnes, and more.
- Azamara Club Cruises: Azamara Club Cruises offers as many as 130 wines from around the world throughout their cruise processes.
- Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises offers a wide selection of wines from well-known wine regions, award-winning vineyards, and trendy up-and-coming areas, as well as special dinners at unique venues to give their guests the full wine tour experience.
- Windstar Cruises: The famous Winemaker Dinners aboard Windstar Cruises headline their wine list, featuring expertly paired fine wines from around the world.
- Holland America Line: Expect to find over 40 red and white wines supplemented with champagnes, craft beers, and cocktails aboard Holland America Line.
- Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises offer special events and classes to pair guests with the perfect glass of wine as well as special dinners cooked by renowned chefs who have their own wine collections to share.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line feature sommeliers to provide guidance while pairing dishes with the best labels available.
- Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean International host events on board known as the Fine Wines and Food Festival, with over than 50 carefully selected international wines to sample.
- Oceania Cruises: Oceania Cruises are known for sourcing wines from more exclusive regions and wineries, such as port from Portugal and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
- MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises offer a wide range of wine selections from all the continents around the world and even their own house wines.
- Costa Cruises: Costa Cruises allow their guests to sample in the ship's wine bar which features the best varietals from Europe and (selected) US vineyards.
What are the top destinations for wine lovers on a cruise?
- Bordeaux, France: Bordeaux offers a vast range of exquisite wines from the region, with popular producers such as Château Haut-Brion and Cos d’Estournel. Plus, you can explore the vineyards along the Garonne River or take a tour of a local château.
- Santorini, Greece: Visit the beautiful vineyards on the island, sipping through some of the most well-known wines from Santorini, such as the Vinsanto and the mouth-watering local varietals like Aidani or Assyrtiko.
- Tuscany, Italy: Explore the iconic rolling hills of Tuscany, wine tasting and uncovering some of Italy’s oldest winemaking traditions. There are plenty of wineries to visit, so sip and savor some of the world’s finest wines.
- Portugal: Explore the Douro Valley and its vast vineyards, the main growing region in Portugal renowned for producing the striking Ports. Enjoy the sweet, velvety and intense flavors of this signature Porto wine.
- New Zealand: Explore the impressive vineyards of New Zealand's two main wine-growing regions, Marlborough and Central Otago. The Marlborough region is world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, while the Central Otago region produces outstanding Pinot Noir.
How can you enhance your wine-tasting experience onboard a cruise ship?
- Join wine-tasting seminars: Many cruise lines offer seminars or classes with their onboard sommelier that provide a unique opportunity to increase your wine knowledge in a fun and interactive setting.
- Enjoy a winery tour: Cruise destinations often include popular wineries which offer tours, tastings, and informative background on the winemaking process.
- Create a wine-tasting party: Host your own wine-tasting onboard the cruise! Use the cruise’s onboard cellar to create a make-your-own-wine-tasting menu and add special snacks to pair with the wines.
- Start a wine club: Involve fellow passengers on the cruise to create a virtual oenophile’s club. Take a vote to decide which wines to sample or talk about the different styles of wines during particular events.
- Head to a wine-pairing dinner: Many cruise lines offer exquisite wine-pairing dinners where you can sample delicious cuisine alongside specially chosen wines.
- Taste the “region of sailing”: Seek out local wines from the destination you’re sailing to, and enjoy a unique experience of discovering the flavors of the region.
- Try a wine and cheese night: Sample the different types of cheese from the region and enjoy a glass of local wine.
- Check the drinks menu: Most cruise lines have special menus devoted to wines, complete with detailed descriptions of flavor, origin and more. Take a look and try something new.
- Participate in a blind wine tasting: Challenge yourself to test your oenophile prowess and take part in a blind tasting game organized by the onboard sommelier.
- Attend a wine-mixing class: Learn how to make the perfect wine-based cocktail and try out your newly acquired skills at the bar!
What are some tips for selecting the perfect wine to pair with your onboard dining options?
- Consider the type of cuisine: What wine pairs best with your meal? Consider the intensity and flavor profile of the cuisine you’re eating. For example, steak pairs best with a full-bodied red, while fish is best served with a light and crisp white.
- Get acquainted with local wines: If you’re traveling somewhere new, get to know the wines of the region! Local restaurant menus usually feature the types of wines that pair best with the local cuisine.
- Talk to the sommelier: Reach out to your onboard sommelier or server to find out what they recommend. They may be able to provide additional guidance based on your specific dining experience.
- Sample different wines: If in doubt, do a sampling! Many ships offer a variety of wines, so ask your sommelier to bring a few samples to your table.
- Don’t overthink the pairing: If you don’t want to put too much thought into the pairing and just purchase an enjoyable bottle of wine, an unoaked chardonnay and a fruity, light-bodied red blend will pair well with most cuisines.
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