When wine lovers travel, their destination of choice is often a scenic vineyard, where they can sip their favorite wines while overlooking rolling hills of vines. But what if the ultimate wine experience wasn’t on land at all?
Imagine savoring an exceptional red while sailing past the glaciers of Alaska or toasting with a crisp rosé under the Caribbean sun. With Celebrity Cruises, oenophiles don’t have to choose between adventure and extraordinary wine. Thanks to a meticulously curated beverage program – boasting one of the most highly awarded wine collections at sea – guests can enjoy world-class wines at any meal, all while exploring incredible scenes beyond the vineyard in nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries on all seven continents.
RECORD-BREAKING WINE PROGRAM
Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, has consistently prided itself on its wine offerings, presenting passengers with a selection of more than 500 wines from the best regions and producers around the globe. In 2024, the brand set records after being honored 18 times at the 2024 Wine Spectator Awards, adding to their total of 136 awards received over the past 12 years. These awards included several “Best of” Awards of Excellence and recognition for a few of their premium onboard restaurants, including Le Voyage, famed chef Daniel Boulud’s only restaurant at sea. There’s no doubt this cruise line has become a top choice for selective travelers who enjoy seeing the world via the open waters.
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR WINE ENTHUSIASTS
(Celebrity Cruises)
Wine enthusiasts can find many bottles to enjoy while cruising the high seas on Celebrity Cruises.
It’s not just the bottle count that makes this brand shine when it comes to its awarded wine program. Premium offerings, such as a trained sommelier at every restaurant, make each cruise feel more like a luxurious culinary escape for those who appreciate a journey of the senses.
(Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises prides itself on its world-class dining and wine selections.
Beyond the bottle, wine lovers aboard the ship can add specialty experiences as supplements to their cruise packages. The World Wine Tours program allows guests to sample wines from across the globe while learning about regional characteristics and grape nuances. Food and Wine Pairing Workshops offer hands-on education in the art of pairing, showcasing how flavors interact. For those interested in exploring wine at its source, Destination Wine Tours take guests to vineyards worldwide for exclusive tours and tastings. Meanwhile, Cellar Masters, available on seven Celebrity ships, invites guests to discover a bold selection of handpicked wines, including some rare finds.
Chris Arora, Celebrity Cruises’ Wine Operations Lead, explains his broader philosophy for creating memorable wine moments.
“My team and I have carefully curated a robust wine program offering a selection that varies from large producers that are readily available to the most allocated and sought- after wines in the world, and everything in between,” said Arora. “This offers something for everyone, while also giving guests the chance to explore and try something new.”
WINERY PARTNERSHIPS
(Shafer Vineyards)
Shafer Vineyards produces a custom blend called "Excellence" that can only be found on Celebrity Cruises.
Celebrity Cruises’ commitment to an exceptional wine experience includes partnering with two renowned Napa Valley wineries to create custom bottles that can only be found on Celebrity’s fleet. Grgich Hills Estate, a Napa Valley icon known for its organic winemaking and dedication to environmental stewardship, was a natural fit. The collaboration began in 2016 when Celebrity introduced two exclusive custom blends – the Grgich Hills Estate Opulence Chardonnay and Opulence Cabernet Sauvignon – bringing the winery’s signature craftsmanship to guests at sea.
Shafer Vineyards has long been regarded as one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious producers, recognized for its acclaimed Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Celebrity Cruises has proudly featured Shafer wines in its portfolio for years, fostering a strong relationship with the winery. This partnership reached new heights recently when Shafer agreed to create its first-ever private label exclusively for Celebrity Cruises, a testament to the cruise line’s dedication to providing top-tier experiences. With this one-of-a-kind red blend called Excellence, Celebrity continues to expand the boundaries of premium hospitality, offering the same unparalleled luxury found in the world’s finest wine regions to guests at sea.
For travelers looking for an award-winning wine program, exclusive bottle partnerships, and immersive tasting experiences, Celebrity Cruises delivers a world-class wine voyage unlike any other on the high seas.
“We are always invested in the future,” said Arora. “We continue to look to grow and develop partnerships with premium and quality brands.”
(Shafer Vineyards)
Elias Fernandez, winemaker at Shafer Vineyards in Napa Valley, has created a custom blend for Celebrity Cruises.
MIAMI WINE EVENTS THIS MONTH
Vinya Table in Coral will host a Rioja Women’s History Month Tribute with Ana Fabiano on March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. The same dinner will be hosted at Vinya Key Biscayne on March 13. Later in the month, the All Access: Ronchi di Cialla Through the Years tasting will take place at Vinya Key Biscayne on March 26 at 7 p.m. Visit vinyawine.com for more information on pricing and reservations.
Happy Wine in the Grove will host a wine dinner with John Bailey, owner of Knights Bridge Winery in Napa Valley on March 19. Visit happywinegrove.com for more information and to reserve your spot.
This month, 305 Wines in South Miami will host “Essential Burgundy Masterclass: 8 Must-Know Wine Appellations.” On March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a “Study of Pomerol with Château Petrus 2003 and Friends” sit-down wine tasting. Visit floridawineacademy.com for the most updated information and reservations.